Many people develop fears and phobias in various different ways and for various different reasons. Among the best known and common fears are fears of spiders, cockroaches, heights, social events, tight spaces, and even holes, which is known as trypophobia. However, did you know that there is a type of phobia called agoraphobia, which is directly linked to anxiety disorders and panic syndrome? 

In general, people with agoraphobia feel an uncontrollable fear of experiencing situations that will cause panic attacks or of experiencing a situation where there is a feeling of lack of control and embarrassment. Agoraphobia is also known as "fear of crowds" and is classified as a type of anxiety disorder in which people are anxious in unfamiliar environments, or where they find they have little control. It is common for this disorder to manifest itself in conjunction with panic attacks and, according to studies, 30 to 50% of people with agoraphobia also have panic syndrome. Fears can happen in many places, from open spaces like shows to small stores. 

One of the characteristics of agoraphobia that people feel is the anticipated fear that some dangerous situation will happen and that it will be difficult to get help. It is more common for agoraphobia attacks to occur after traumatic situations. There are typical situations and environments in which people with the disorder try to avoid: being alone inside or outside the house, traveling by bus or plane, being in crowded spaces, waiting in lines, staying in closed spaces such as cinemas and stores, staying in open spaces such as parks, fairs and parking lots, sitting in the middle of a classroom, staying in the theater or cinema, and riding public transportation. All these places have the possibility where escape may potentially not be easy. 

Although the exact causes of agoraphobia are unknown, some doctors offer plausible hypotheses, which are generally also linked to biological aspects. This disorder is more common in women and manifests itself, in most cases, between late adolescence and early adulthood. Some cases are identified after 35 years of age and after repeated anxiety and panic attacks. Agoraphobia is best understood as an adverse behavioral result of repeated panic attacks, as well as symptoms of anxiety and concern about these attacks. 

Agoraphobia can be prevented with early treatment of symptoms of panic disorder and generalized anxiety, but if this cannot be anticipated, there are treatments targeted for this type of phobia. The most common way to treat cases of agoraphobia is psychotherapy, which may be followed by medication. The first step in any psychotherapeutic treatment is to understand what is happening. Therefore, it is necessary that the person is aware of what type of disorder he/she is suffering from, its cause, symptoms and consequences. Consulting a professional is strongly advised.

References: 

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/agoraphobia/symptoms-causes/syc-20355987  

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/agoraphobia/