Despite treatment, about 1 in 5 people with agoraphobia continue to experience troublesome symptoms. In the UK, up to 2 people in have panic disorder. It's thought around a third will go on to develop agoraphobia. Page last reviewed: 18 December Next review due: 18 December Overview - Agoraphobia. Someone with agoraphobia may be scared of: travelling on public transport visiting a shopping centre leaving home If someone with agoraphobia finds themselves in a stressful situation, they'll usually experience the symptoms of a panic attack , such as: rapid heartbeat rapid breathing hyperventilating feeling hot and sweaty feeling sick They'll avoid situations that cause anxiety and may only leave the house with a friend or partner.
What causes agoraphobia? Diagnosing agoraphobia Speak to your GP if you think you may be affected by agoraphobia. Your GP may ask you the following questions: Do you find leaving the house stressful? Are there certain places or situations you have to avoid? Do you have any avoidance strategies to help you cope with your symptoms, such as relying on others to shop for you? Treating agoraphobia Lifestyle changes may help, including taking regular exercise , eating more healthily , and avoiding alcohol, drugs and drinks that contain caffeine, such as tea, coffee and cola.
If your agoraphobia fails to respond to these treatment methods see your GP. Outlook Around a third of people with agoraphobia eventually achieve a complete cure and remain free from symptoms. How common is agoraphobia? Agoraphobia is twice as common in women as men. Anyone experiencing the symptoms should seek treatment as soon as possible. Fear is a universal human experience.
In this feature, we ask why fear evolved, what happens in the body, and why some people enjoy it. Sometimes, fearful sensations can be a source of pleasure. Our Special Feature explores the hows and whys of this phenomenon. A phobia is an irrational and overpowering fear.
A fear of flying and many other things can stop people doing what they want to, but treatment is…. Thalassophobia is a fear of the ocean or other large bodies of water.
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This article looks at the causes, symptoms, treatments, and related disorders. What you need to know about agoraphobia. Medically reviewed by Marney A. What is it? What is agoraphobia? Latest news Scientists identify new cause of vascular injury in type 2 diabetes.
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Everything you need to know about phobias. Medically reviewed by Timothy J. Legg, Ph. Causes and treatments for thalassophobia. White, PhD, MS. Agoraphobia is a type of anxiety disorder. A person with agoraphobia is afraid to leave environments they know or consider to be safe. In severe cases, a person with agoraphobia considers their home to be the only safe environment.
They may avoid leaving their home for days, months or even years. Generally, busy public places such as supermarkets, shopping centres, trams, trains, planes and airports are feared the most. However, any public place — even a quiet church or an empty park — may seem threatening to a person suffering from agoraphobia. Typically, agoraphobia often starts off as a mild anxiety about a particular event, place or situation that escalates over time into a generalised fear of being in public.
Mental health experts believe that the root of agoraphobia is fear of the physical and mental sensations of anxiety and, often, of panic or of losing control or embarrassing oneself.
Agoraphobia usually begins with a stressful event — for example, a person loses a job or a relationship ends. In other cases, a stressful life event triggers a panic attack. Since panic attacks are so unpleasant, the person may avoid any situation or place that they think might trigger another attack until many situations and places are eventually feared and avoided.
However, the doctor may run a series of medical tests to make sure the symptoms are not caused by an underlying physical illness. The doctor may suggest referral to a psychologist or psychiatrist for further evaluation and treatment. Agoraphobia responds well to treatment. The treatment options suggested by your doctor or therapist will depend on your circumstances and preferences, but may include:.
The key to conquering agoraphobia is learning to control anxiety symptoms and progressively going into the situations that you fear.
This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:. You can help your child overcome anxiety by taking their fears seriously and encouraging them to talk about their feelings.
Anxiety disorders are common mental health problems that affect many people. Anxiety disorders are common, affecting about one in ten with persistent, excessive worrying that can hinder their ability to function.
They may worry constantly about things that do not warrant it or that may never happen. In this video clip, participants discuss the various forms of treatment and support they have received from medical professionals as well as from other sources.
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