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Cantando · 07-18-2008, 09:53 AM

The World Health Organisation defines agoraphobia as a cluster of phobias (irrational fears) related to leaving home, entering shops, being in crowds and public places, or travelling alone on buses, trains, or planes.

Agoraphobia can often lead to a change in behaviour where you deliberately avoid placing yourself into situations which may cause you anxiety, such as only leaving the house with a friend, or partner, or ordering groceries using the Internet, rather than going to the supermarket. This change in behaviour is known as avoidance.

Agoraphobia and panic disorder

Many people with agoraphobia also have a related panic disorder and a history of panic attacks. Their agoraphobia often develops as a result of a previous panic attack. They worry about being in an environment, or situation, from which escape, or help, would be impossible, or embarrassing, if they were to have a panic attack.

Also, many people worry that if they are in a situation, or environment, that provokes a panic attack, it will be life-threatening; for example they will stop breathing, or their heart will beat too fast and they will have a heart attack.

Agoraphobia without panic disorder

It used to be believed that all cases of agoraphobia were related to panic disorders and panic attacks. However, research carried out in the last two decades has shown that almost half of people with agoraphobia have no previous history of panic disorder, or attacks.

In such circumstances, agoraphobia may be caused by different phobias, such as fear of crime, terrorism, or illness, or accident. However, those with agoraphobia without panic disorder, are often motivated by the same fears of experiencing their first panic attack if they place themselves in a situation or environment that provokes anxiety.

How common is agoraphobia?

Agoraphobia related to panic disorder is one of the most common mental health conditions. It is estimated that between 4-5% of the population are affected by panic disorder and agoraphobia.

Although agoraphobia without panic disorder is less common, it is by no means rare. For example, in the UK, it is estimated that 1.7% of men, and 3.8% of women, have agoraphobia without related panic disorder.

(From an article at nhsdirect.nhs.uk. More information is given there about treating it.)

07-18-2008, 09:53 AM	#10 (permalink)
Cantando Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 1,108	Agoraphobia The World Health Organisation defines agoraphobia as a cluster of phobias (irrational fears) related to leaving home, entering shops, being in crowds and public places, or travelling alone on buses, trains, or planes. Agoraphobia can often lead to a change in behaviour where you deliberately avoid placing yourself into situations which may cause you anxiety, such as only leaving the house with a friend, or partner, or ordering groceries using the Internet, rather than going to the supermarket. This change in behaviour is known as avoidance. Agoraphobia and panic disorder Many people with agoraphobia also have a related panic disorder and a history of panic attacks. Their agoraphobia often develops as a result of a previous panic attack. They worry about being in an environment, or situation, from which escape, or help, would be impossible, or embarrassing, if they were to have a panic attack. Also, many people worry that if they are in a situation, or environment, that provokes a panic attack, it will be life-threatening; for example they will stop breathing, or their heart will beat too fast and they will have a heart attack. Agoraphobia without panic disorder It used to be believed that all cases of agoraphobia were related to panic disorders and panic attacks. However, research carried out in the last two decades has shown that almost half of people with agoraphobia have no previous history of panic disorder, or attacks. In such circumstances, agoraphobia may be caused by different phobias, such as fear of crime, terrorism, or illness, or accident. However, those with agoraphobia without panic disorder, are often motivated by the same fears of experiencing their first panic attack if they place themselves in a situation or environment that provokes anxiety. How common is agoraphobia? Agoraphobia related to panic disorder is one of the most common mental health conditions. It is estimated that between 4-5% of the population are affected by panic disorder and agoraphobia. Although agoraphobia without panic disorder is less common, it is by no means rare. For example, in the UK, it is estimated that 1.7% of men, and 3.8% of women, have agoraphobia without related panic disorder. (From an article at nhsdirect.nhs.uk. More information is given there about treating it.)