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Agoraphobia

Agoraphobia is a fear of being in situations where escape might be difficult or that help wouldn't be available if things go wrong.

Many people assume agoraphobia is simply a fear of open spaces, but it's actually a more complex condition. 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. They'll order groceries online rather than going to the supermarket. This change in behaviour is known as avoidance.

Read more about the symptoms of agoraphobia.

What causes agoraphobia?

Agoraphobia usually develops as a complication of panic disorder, an anxiety disorder involving panic attacks and moments of intense fear. It can arise by associating panic attacks with the places or situations where they occurred and then avoiding them.

A minority of people with agoraphobia have no history of panic attacks. In these cases, their fear may be related to issues like a fear of crime, terrorism, illness, or being in an accident.

Traumatic events, such as bereavement, may contribute towards agoraphobia, as well as certain genes inherited from your parents.

Read more about the possible causes of agoraphobia.

Diagnosing agoraphobia

Speak to your GP if you think you may be affected by agoraphobia. It should be possible to arrange a telephone consultation if you don't feel ready to visit your GP in person.

Your GP will ask you to describe your symptoms, how often they occur, and in what situations. It's very important you tell them how you've been feeling and how your symptoms are affecting you.

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?

It can sometimes be difficult to talk about your feelings, emotions, and personal life, but try not to feel anxious or embarrassed. Your GP needs to know as much as possible about your symptoms to make the correct diagnosis and recommend the most appropriate treatment.

Read more about diagnosing agoraphobia.

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.

Self-help techniques that can help during a panic attack include staying where you are, focusing on something that's non-threatening and visible, and slow, deep breathing.

If your agoraphobia fails to respond to these treatment methods see your GP.

You can also refer yourself directly for psychological therapies, including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), without seeing your GP.

Read more about psychological therapies on the NHS.

Medication may be recommended if self-help techniques and lifestyle changes aren't effective in controlling your symptoms. You'll usually be prescribed a course of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which are also used to treat anxiety and depression.

In severe cases of agoraphobia, medication can be used in combination with other types of treatment, such as CBT and relaxation therapy.

Read more about treating agoraphobia.

Outlook

Around a third of people with agoraphobia eventually achieve a complete cure and remain free from symptoms.

Around half experience an improvement in symptoms, but they may have periods when their symptoms become more troublesome – for example, if they feel stressed.

Despite treatment, about 1 in 5 people with agoraphobia continue to experience troublesome symptoms. 

How common is agoraphobia?

In the UK, up to 2 people in 100 have panic disorder. It's thought around a third will go on to develop agoraphobia.

Agoraphobia is twice as common in women as men. It usually starts between the ages of 18 and 35.

HealthUnlocked contains information from NHS Digital, licensed under the current version of the Open Government Licence

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669 public posts

Agoraphobia

So between my anxiety, depression and agoraphobia, my days are long, sad and full of anxiety. I have been in therapy for awhile and I’m not getting any better.
So between my anxiety, depression and agoraphobia, my days are long, sad and full of anxiety. I have been in therapy for awhile and I’m not getting any better.
Dallas_Cowboys
in Anxiety and Depression Support

Agoraphobia

Does anyone else here suffer from agoraphobia so bad that you can’t leave your house? I haven’t left since February and I feel like I’m the only one that suffered this bad :(
Does anyone else here suffer from agoraphobia so bad that you can’t leave your house? I haven’t left since February and I feel like I’m the only one that suffered this bad :(
Sierramist
in Anxiety and Depression Support

Agoraphobia

Guys I’m stuck. I’m going crazy I’ve been in my house since February I literally haven’t left since then and it’s driving me nuts. I’m starting to feel if I can’t get out and live my life why am I still here? I need help and I don’t know how to get help. Will someone please help
Guys I’m stuck. I’m going crazy I’ve been in my house since February I literally haven’t left since then and it’s driving me nuts. I’m starting to feel if I can’t get out and live my life why am I still here? I need help and I don’t know how to get help. Will someone please help
Sierramist
in Anxiety and Depression Support
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Agoraphobia

I’m just wondering has anyone here ever overcome agoraphobia?
I’m just wondering has anyone here ever overcome agoraphobia?
Sierramist
in Anxiety and Depression Support

Agoraphobia!

I've been in my home for over 10 yrs. It just makes no sense to me! I can't even walk my dog. I often wonder if it could be a self esteem issue as well. I can't find a therapist that even knows how to begin to help me.
I've been in my home for over 10 yrs. It just makes no sense to me! I can't even walk my dog. I often wonder if it could be a self esteem issue as well. I can't find a therapist that even knows how to begin to help me.
Storm000
in Anxiety and Depression Support

Agoraphobia

I suffer from severe agoraphobia and anxiety. I haven’t left my house since February and I usually feel just fine as long as I’m home but here recently I’ve been having panic attacks and not feeling myself even when I am home. Does anyone have any tips?
I suffer from severe agoraphobia and anxiety. I haven’t left my house since February and I usually feel just fine as long as I’m home but here recently I’ve been having panic attacks and not feeling myself even when I am home. Does anyone have any tips?
Sierramist
in Anxiety and Depression Support

Agoraphobia

So sensitive to negative vibes that I've removed all but 2 people from my life. I've distanced my entire family due to the "shake it off" attitude they have. Seriously do people ever really get over this?
So sensitive to negative vibes that I've removed all but 2 people from my life. I've distanced my entire family due to the "shake it off" attitude they have. Seriously do people ever really get over this?
Spiritwood
in Anxiety and Depression Support

Agoraphobia

Does anyone else suffer from severe anxiety and agoraphobia? I haven’t been able to leave my house since February and I don’t know what to do. Every time I try to leave I get panic attacks and feel like I can’t breathe.
Does anyone else suffer from severe anxiety and agoraphobia? I haven’t been able to leave my house since February and I don’t know what to do. Every time I try to leave I get panic attacks and feel like I can’t breathe.
Sierramist
in Anxiety and Depression Support

Worst fear

else here deal with agoraphobia and if so how do you protect yourself from getting clots????
else here deal with agoraphobia and if so how do you protect yourself from getting clots????
Ramekinses
in Anxiety Support

Agoraphobia coming back

Can't catch a break, well I can't fully say that, I had a ok year last year, but prior to that I was having SVT (supra ventricular tachycardia) that kept being misdiagnosed as panic attacks until I got a heart monitor. It was causing my anxiety. Then December 2018, I had a small clot lodge in my right
Can't catch a break, well I can't fully say that, I had a ok year last year, but prior to that I was having SVT (supra ventricular tachycardia) that kept being misdiagnosed as panic attacks until I got a heart monitor. It was causing my anxiety. Then December 2018, I had a small clot lodge in my right
Armyguy
in Anxiety and Depression Support

Agoraphobia coming back

Can't catch a break, well I can't fully say that, I had a ok year last year, but prior to that I was having SVT (supra ventricular tachycardia) that kept being misdiagnosed as panic attacks until I got a heart monitor. It was causing my anxiety. Then December 2018, I had a small clot lodge in my right
Can't catch a break, well I can't fully say that, I had a ok year last year, but prior to that I was having SVT (supra ventricular tachycardia) that kept being misdiagnosed as panic attacks until I got a heart monitor. It was causing my anxiety. Then December 2018, I had a small clot lodge in my right
Armyguy
in Anxiety Support

Anyone out there?

I’m new to this group and am wondering if there is anyone out there dealing with Agoraphobia, depression and anxiety?
I’m new to this group and am wondering if there is anyone out there dealing with Agoraphobia, depression and anxiety?
Dallas_Cowboys
in Anxiety and Depression Support

Worried

I am suffering from severe panic disorder and homebound agoraphobia. Do you guys think CBT is going to help me?
I am suffering from severe panic disorder and homebound agoraphobia. Do you guys think CBT is going to help me?
Sierramist
in Anxiety and Depression Support

Panic dosorder

Hello can anyone tell me, does cognitive behavioral therapy really work for panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and agoraphobia? I start therapy tomorrow and I’m hoping it works. I’m terrified I’m stuck like this forever.
Hello can anyone tell me, does cognitive behavioral therapy really work for panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and agoraphobia? I start therapy tomorrow and I’m hoping it works. I’m terrified I’m stuck like this forever.
Sierramist
in Anxiety and Depression Support

Friend

Someone that battles with anxiety and agoraphobia that I can talk with about my problems and they understand. Preferably a female in their 20s but I’m not picky. I’m just struggling right now.
Someone that battles with anxiety and agoraphobia that I can talk with about my problems and they understand. Preferably a female in their 20s but I’m not picky. I’m just struggling right now.
Sierramist
in Anxiety and Depression Support

Personal Hell

Hi I’m 43 and have agoraphobia. I take 20mg of escitalopram. I’m going through withdrawals from hell, slowly tapering off clonazepam. Feeling overwhelmed, sad, sick,lonely, scared, this is very hard to do on my own. I work full time and feel like I’m going crazy.
Hi I’m 43 and have agoraphobia. I take 20mg of escitalopram. I’m going through withdrawals from hell, slowly tapering off clonazepam. Feeling overwhelmed, sad, sick,lonely, scared, this is very hard to do on my own. I work full time and feel like I’m going crazy.
Emoji77
in Anxiety and Depression Support

New here

I’ve been dealing with anxiety and agoraphobia for almost 8 years, is there anyone else suffering from the same problems that would like to chat and support each other?
I’ve been dealing with anxiety and agoraphobia for almost 8 years, is there anyone else suffering from the same problems that would like to chat and support each other?
jason23
in Anxiety Support

Hello!

I was diagnosed with agoraphobia, anxiety, panic disorder and depression with reoccurring depressive episodes. I am nervous but also excited to be able to share my experiences with you all and hear about your experiences as well.
I was diagnosed with agoraphobia, anxiety, panic disorder and depression with reoccurring depressive episodes. I am nervous but also excited to be able to share my experiences with you all and hear about your experiences as well.
one_direction_fan
in Anxiety and Depression Support

Scared to workout or physical interaction

Does anyone deal with being scared to workout or being scared to walk a long way , i used to play basketball all my life until i developed agoraphobia and generalized anxiety now i feel vulnerable to any situation such as having to protect myself or protect someone around me i feel as tho ill have a
Does anyone deal with being scared to workout or being scared to walk a long way , i used to play basketball all my life until i developed agoraphobia and generalized anxiety now i feel vulnerable to any situation such as having to protect myself or protect someone around me i feel as tho ill have a
Ramekinses
in Anxiety Support

Anxiety

I feel like I’m going to be suffering from severe anxiety and agoraphobia for the rest of my life. I want to have my own family and job but I’m afraid that will never happen Becuase I can’t even leave my moms house. Will I ever get better??
I feel like I’m going to be suffering from severe anxiety and agoraphobia for the rest of my life. I want to have my own family and job but I’m afraid that will never happen Becuase I can’t even leave my moms house. Will I ever get better??
Sierramist
in Anxiety and Depression Support
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