Definition of Agoraphobia
Agoraphobia: An abnormal and persistent fear of public
places or open areas, especially those from which escape could be
difficult or help not
immediately accessible. Persons with agoraphobia frequently also have
panic disorder.
People with agoraphobia characteristically become anxious if they
even think about being trapped in a situation where it might be
difficult to leave the situation. People with agoraphobia also
characteristically avoid the situations which bring them anxiety or
panic.
Agoraphobia is highly variable in severity. People with mild
agoraphobia often live normal lives by avoiding anxiety-provoking
situations. But, in the most severe cases, the victims may be
incapacitated and be homebound.
The disorder affects women twice as often as men, tends to start
in the mid to late 20's and the onset may appear triggered by a
traumatic event.
The treatment for agoraphobia involves behavior and cognitive
therapy and/or medications. As might be expected, people with a mild
case of agoraphobia do best while those with a severe case may be
plagued for many years, if not the remainder of their lives.
Agoraphobia comes from the Greek "agora", marketplace + "phobos",
fear = fear of the marketplace.
Last Editorial Review: 1/3/2000
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