Agoraphobia
Agoraphobia is a type of anxiety disorder that causes people to fear situations where it's difficult to escape or get help if things go wrong. Learn more about the causes, symptoms and what treatment is available.
What is agoraphobia?
Many people define agoraphobia as a fear of open spaces, but it's more complicated than that. If you have agoraphobia, you avoid places or situation that might make you feel:
Trapped
Helpless
Embarrassed
Afraid
Panicked
Someone with agoraphobia may be afraid of:
Using public transport
Going to a shopping centre
Leaving home
Standing in a queue
Being in a crowded place
Being outside alone
Agoraphobia symptoms
Agoraphobia symptoms differ from person to person. If you've got severe agoraphobia, you may find it a struggle to leave your house. But someone who has mild agoraphobia may be able to make short trips on public transport without any problems.
The symptoms of agoraphobia can be divided into three types:
Physical
Cognitive (psychological)
Behavioural
Physical symptoms
You may get the physical symptoms of agoraphobia in situations or places that make you feel anxious or stressed. The symptoms are similar to what you might experience in a panic attack and may include:
Fast heartbeat (tachycardia)
Rapid breathing (hyperventilating)
Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
Feeling hot and sweaty
Nausea
Chest pain or tightness in the chest
Difficulty swallowing
Needing to go to the toilet a lot
Trembling
Ringing in the ears
Some people with agoraphobia never get any physical symptoms because they go out of their way to avoid situations that give them anxiety.
Cognitive (psychological) symptoms
Cognitive agoraphobia symptoms involve feelings or thoughts that relate to the physical symptoms, like:
Worrying that a panic attack will make you look stupid, feel embarrassed or lose control
Fear that a panic attack may be life-threatening
Fear that you're losing your sanity
Worrying that you won't be able to escape or find help during a panic attack
Fear that people will stare at you
Other psychological symptoms may include:
Feeling like you can't survive without the help of others
A feeling of anxiety or dread
Being scared to be left alone in your own home
Low self-esteem
Paranoia
- Reviewed by:
Dr Rhianna McClymont
Lead GP at Livi

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