what is agoraphobia

Agoraphobia is an anxiety disorder that causes an intense fear of being in situations where escape might be difficult or where help might not be available if things go wrong. It is a type of anxiety disorder that involves fearing and avoiding places or situations that might cause panic and feelings of being trapped, helpless, or embarrassed. People with agoraphobia often avoid new places and unfamiliar situations, such as large, open areas, enclosed spaces, crowds, public transportation, and leaving home. The fear and anxiety caused by agoraphobia can make people avoid situations, which can affect their daily activities. Agoraphobia can develop as a complication of panic disorder, an anxiety disorder involving panic attacks and moments of intense fear, or it can arise by associating panic attacks with the places or situations where they occurred and then avoiding them. Symptoms of agoraphobia include rapid heartbeat, rapid breathing, feeling hot and sweaty, feeling sick, chest pain, and trouble breathing. Agoraphobia treatment can be challenging because it means confronting fears, but with proper treatment, usually a form of therapy called cognitive-behavioral therapy and medicines, people can escape the trap of agoraphobia and live a more enjoyable life.