Agoraphobia
Agoraphobia is marked fear or avoidance of situations where escape might be hard or help unavailable — such as crowds, public transport, open spaces, or being outside alone.
Definition
Agoraphobia involves anxiety about places or situations where panic-like symptoms, embarrassment, or difficulty escaping feel possible. People often avoid those situations or endure them with intense distress, sometimes only with a companion. Agoraphobia frequently co-occurs with panic attacks but can also appear without a full panic disorder picture. Anxiety and panic screens help describe related symptoms; diagnosis requires clinical assessment.
What it can feel like
- Avoiding buses, trains, or flying for fear of panic.
- Feeling unsafe in crowds, shopping centers, or open spaces.
- Needing someone with you to leave home.
- Planning routes carefully so you can leave quickly if needed.
Related screening tests on LuriaLab
- Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI)
- General Anxiety Disorder Test (GAD-7)
- Panic Disorder Severity Scale (PDSS)
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- GAD-7 Anxiety Test: Free Online Screening for Generalized Anxiety
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Related glossary terms
Frequently asked questions
Is agoraphobia only fear of open spaces?
No. That is a common myth. Agoraphobia can involve many situations where escape or help feels difficult, including enclosed spaces and crowds.
How is agoraphobia related to panic attacks?
Many people develop agoraphobic avoidance after panic attacks. Others have agoraphobic fears without meeting full panic disorder criteria.
Can agoraphobia improve?
Yes. Evidence-based therapies (including CBT with gradual exposure) and, when appropriate, medication prescribed by a clinician can help.
Sources
- American Psychiatric Association — agoraphobia overview
- Panic Disorder Severity Scale (PDSS) and anxiety screening literature