Alternate Names : Agoraphobia, Anxiety disorder- agoraphobia
Definition
Panic disorder with agoraphobia is an anxiety disorder in which there are repeated attacks of intense fear and anxiety, and a fear of being in places where escape might be difficult, or where help might not be available.
Agoraphobia usually involves fear of crowds, bridges, or of being outside alone.
This article discusses panic disorder with agoraphobia. For information on panic disorder itself, see also: Panic disorder
Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
The exact causes of panic disorder and agoraphobia are unknown. Because panic attacks often occur in areas or situations where they have happened in the past, panic may be a learned behavior. Agoraphobia sometimes occurs when a person has had a panic attack and begins to fear situations that might lead to another panic attack.
Anyone can develop a panic disorder, but it usually starts around age 25. Panic disorder is more common in women than men.
Pictures & Images
Panic disorder with agoraphobia
Panic disorder is characterized by repeated and unpredictable attacks of intense fear and anxiety. Agoraphobia, literally “fear of the marketplace”, develops from a panic disorder in more than one-third of cases.
Panic disorder with agoraphobia: Overview, Causes
Panic disorder with agoraphobia: Symptoms & Signs, Diagnosis & Tests
Panic disorder with agoraphobia: Treatment
Reviewed By : David B. Merrill, MD, Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
