The term "phobia", which comes from the Greek means, "fear". There are all types of phobias, such as: claustrophobia (fear of confining or small spaces), dentophobia (fear of dentists), or hypsiphobia (fear of height). But, what is agoraphobia? Well agoraphobia literally means "fear of the marketplace".

A Mixture Of Two Anxiety Disorders

Agoraphobia is really both a panic disorder and a phobia. In this case, persons suffering from agoraphobia suffer from frequent panic attacks and are afraid of open or public places.

The Reality

People suffering from agoraphobia are really not afraid of public or open spaces. What are the afraid of? They are afraid of having a panic attack that will embarrass them in front of others, especially those who know them already. Here is the official definition of agoraphobia according to the to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV):

• Agoraphobia - anxiety about, or avoidance of, 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.

The key idea here is that if you suffer from this, you are intensely afraid of having a panic attack while out in public. If you did, that would be terrible and embarrassing. That is the key. Another aspect of agoraphobia is that you really don't want to be all alone, because if there was an emergency, there would no one to help you. Being alone is also a factor.

Did you know . . .?

• Nearly 3.2 million Americans (ages 18-54) suffer from agoraphobia according to the National Institute Of Mental Health.
• Although not officially part of the definition, many people suffering from agoraphobia also suffer from depression.
• Agoraphobia is caused by a combination of family environment, psychological, genetic, and personality factors.
• The onset of this disorder is usually between late teens and the mid thirties.
• Up to four times as many women as men are diagnosed with agoraphobia.
• Agoraphobia is not physically dangerous! That is the key here. The symptoms are those of having a panic attack, which also is not physically dangerous. It is the symptoms which are frightening.
  
• There is no record of anyone dying of a panic attack or agoraphobia.

People who suffer from agoraphobia frequently suffer from panic attacks. It is the fear of having another panic attack, while in a public place, that contributes mightily to developing agoraphobia. When a person has a panic attack, it can last 10 minutes or longer. Here are some of the most common symptoms:

• rapid heartbeat
• trembling or shaking
• shallow breathing or shortness of breath
• chest pain or other discomfort
• nausea or stomach upset
• feeling dizzy, lightheaded or being faint
  
• chills or hot flashes
• numbness or tingling sensations

There are other symptoms, but the above are very common. When one is having a panic attack, it all seems too real and is frightening. Having had one panic attack, a person may well have another. It is that fear of having a panic attack that can drive one to avoid the "trigger" or situation that may well lead to developing agoraphobia. Make no mistake, panic attacks are real and debilitating. For a more detailed description of panic attacks, click here.

People who suffer from agoraphobia will avoid situations or places that may cause a panic attack. They want to make sure they can make a quick exit from the situation, so as not to embarrass themselves in front of other people. Again, that is a key point in understanding agoraphobia -- the avoidance of being embarrassed. Those who suffer from this will avoid the following situations:

• being outdoors
• being away from home alone
• being in crowds (shopping malls, athletic events, theaters)
• standing in lines
• taking an elevator
• using any type of public transportation

Notice that in the above situations, a person suffering from this condition would feel "trapped". Another point is that many people suffering agoraphobia will not venture out of their home unless they are going to a "safe" place and or are accompanied by a person they trust. In effect, they become prisoners of their home and their phobia.

Safe Places

One way that people who suffer from agoraphobia cope is to establish "safe" places. Most often the safe place is their home. By being home, they feel safe from any embarrassment if they have a panic attack. In some cases, a person will confine themselves to one room, and in extreme cases they confine themselves to their bed. Another safe place for some is their therapists' office. A safe place for agoraphobia suffers can be any place that they feel comfortable in.

Safe People

In the same way, the agoraphobia sufferer can feel safe with a trusted friend or family member. With this trusted friend, they feel safe to travel places they would never go to alone. One reason for this is that by being with this trusted friend, the sufferer feels that they can help them in case of a panic attack. This safety factor is more emotional than actual fact.

Even if the person is in their safe place, they really do not want to be alone. Why? Because, they fear that if they have a panic attack or an emergency situation arises, there would be no one to help them. Because of this fear, most sufferers will be constantly monitoring their bodies to see if something is wrong (heart attack for example).

There are treatments available for those who suffer from agoraphobia. This may include:

• Prescription Medications
• Behavioral Therapy
• Cognitive Behavior Therapy