AGORAPHOBIA. – Fear of open/crowded places
High levels of Anxiety about being in situations from which ‘escape’ or leaving is felt to be very difficult (or embarrassing) and often associated with worry about having a Panic Attack or panic-like symptoms (e.g such as dizziness, fainting, vomiting or diarrhoea ).
This results in avoidance of those environments such as leaving the house, travelling in types of transport (so overlaps with some more specific phobias) and can be socially very disabling affecting the person themselves, and usually family. Family members or friends may be used to help confront the situation, sometimes becoming indispensable, which may then lead to relationship issues.
Agoraphobia is quite a complex condition and may be associated with other psychological symptoms, such as Depression. There are many influences; which include, familial, cultural and pharmaceutical factors and treatment tends to be on a long-term basis.