David Baxter PhD
Late Founder
Agoraphobia Ohio State University)
"The only thing we have to fear is fear itself--nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance" -- Franklin D. Roosevelt
The central feature of Agoraphobia is anxiety about being in places or situations from which escape might be difficult or embarrassing or in which help may not be available in the event of having a panic attack or panic-like symptoms (DSM-IV, 1994).
Although agoraphobia can exist both with and without panic disorder, in a majority of individuals the restrictions in behavior occur as part of their fear of having a panic attack in an "unsafe" or public place. This can lead these individuals to severely curtail even everyday activities such as driving, working, or even leaving the house. In others, they can face their feared situation only with a trusted companion or "safe person." This occurs in approximately 1/3 of all individuals with panic disorder.
Individuals with agoraphobia avoid any situation they fear would make them harm themselves, embarrass them, or in which they would be helpless should a panic attack occur.
Do you have Agoraphobia or Panic Disorder with Agoraphobia?
Check here to find out more about the clinical signs and symptoms of Agoraphobia (with and without Panic Disorder).
With proper treatment, however, individuals can learn to face their fears and can begin to engage in previously feared and restricted behaviors.
"The only thing we have to fear is fear itself--nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance" -- Franklin D. Roosevelt
The central feature of Agoraphobia is anxiety about being in places or situations from which escape might be difficult or embarrassing or in which help may not be available in the event of having a panic attack or panic-like symptoms (DSM-IV, 1994).
Although agoraphobia can exist both with and without panic disorder, in a majority of individuals the restrictions in behavior occur as part of their fear of having a panic attack in an "unsafe" or public place. This can lead these individuals to severely curtail even everyday activities such as driving, working, or even leaving the house. In others, they can face their feared situation only with a trusted companion or "safe person." This occurs in approximately 1/3 of all individuals with panic disorder.
Individuals with agoraphobia avoid any situation they fear would make them harm themselves, embarrass them, or in which they would be helpless should a panic attack occur.
Do you have Agoraphobia or Panic Disorder with Agoraphobia?
Check here to find out more about the clinical signs and symptoms of Agoraphobia (with and without Panic Disorder).
With proper treatment, however, individuals can learn to face their fears and can begin to engage in previously feared and restricted behaviors.
