The fear of being in open spaces.
Commonly, fear of leaving the familiar setting of one’s home. In DSM-III-R, it is almost always a form of panic disorder rather than a phobia.
Agoraphobia (Greek for fear of the market) is fear of being alone in places or situations in which the individual believes that escape might be difficult or embarrassing or in which help may not be available in the event that the individual experiences panic-like symptoms. The fear leads to an avoidances of variety of situations that could include riding a bus, going into a school building, maintaining attendance for the complete school day, being on a bridge or in an elevator, and riding in cars or attendance at special events like field trips or performances. Children in particular may come up with their own “treatment” for the disorder, in the form of rules—not riding in other people’s cars, not waiting in lines, not going to birthday parties, and so on that are difficult for family members to accommodate.
A fear of open, exposed places; a severe type of phobic disorder, also often associated with panic disorders.
An intense, debilitating fear of open public spaces. The disease impairs the ability of the person to work and have a social life.
A sense of fear experienced in large open spaces and public places, agoraphobia is a symptom of psychological disorder. There are said to be 300,000 sufferers in the United Kingdom. Those who suffer from what can be a most distressing condition can obtain help and advice from Anxiety UK.
A form of social phobia in which one feels overwhelming symptoms of anxiety on leaving home. The symptoms may occur in a variety of everyday situations (e.g., standing in line, eating in public, in crowds of people, in tunnels, and while driving) in which a person may be unable to escape or get help and may be embarrassed. Symptoms often include rapid heartbeat, chest pain, difficulty breathing, gastrointestinal distress, faintness, dizziness, weakness, sweating, fear of losing control, fear of dying, or impending doom. People with these symptoms often avoid phobic situations by rarely, if ever, leaving home.
An anxiety disorder characterized by a fear of being in a public place or outside the home to the extent that it might be difficult to leave without embarrassment or to get help in the event of experiencing a panic attack.
In the realm of mental health, a distressing condition emerges anxiety that permeates the psyche when faced with public places or situations that may evoke an overwhelming desire to escape or a sense of helplessness in the event of a panic attack. This abnormal anxiety casts its shadow, intertwining with the fabric of daily life, potentially impairing one’s ability to navigate and engage in societal settings. Within this complex landscape, the imperative lies in fostering understanding, empathy, and comprehensive support to help individuals confront and manage these formidable challenges to regain a sense of empowerment and well-being.
Agoraphobia, characterized by the apprehension of open spaces or public areas, can occasionally intersect with claustrophobia, which entails a fear of enclosed spaces. Individuals affected by agoraphobia who dare to venture outside may experience panic attacks, which further constrain their activities and may eventually confine them to their homes. The application of behavior therapy as a treatment approach often yields positive outcomes, while the use of antidepressant medications can also provide assistance.
An irrational fear of open areas that leads the individual to consistently stay indoors.