Panic disorder with agoraphobia

Agoraphobia was traditionally thought to involve a fear of public places and open spaces.

















However, it is now believed that agoraphobia develops as a complication of panic attacks. With agoraphobia, you’re afraid of having a panic attack in a situation where escape would be difficult or embarrassing. You may also be afraid of having a panic attack where you wouldn’t be able to get help.

Because of these fears, you start avoiding more and more situations. For example, you might begin to avoid crowded places such as shopping malls or sports arenas. You might also avoid cars, airplanes, subways, and other forms of travel. In more severe cases, you might only feel safe at home.
Situations or activities you may avoid if you have agoraphobia:

* Being far away from home
* Going anywhere without the company of a "safe" person
* Physical exertion (because of the belief that it could trigger a panic attack)
* Going to places where escape is not readily available (e.g. restaurants, theaters, stores, public transportation)
* Driving
* Places where it would be embarrassing to have a panic attack, such as a social gathering
* Eating or drinking anything that could possibly provoke panic (such as alcohol, caffeine, or certain foods or medications)

(Adapted from American Academy of Family Physicians)

Although agoraphobia can develop at any point, it usually appears within a year of your first recurrent panic attacks.