22nd February 2024

Diagnosis

Agoraphobia is defined by the DSM-5 as having the following:

1. Fear or anxiety about being in >2 situations where the individual can’t escape, such as: 
   • Being in a mode of transportation, for example in cars, buses, trains, planes or ships
   • Being in open spaces e.g. car parks, markets, parks
   • Being alone outside the house
   • Being in a queue or in a crowd
   • Being in enclosed public settings such as shops, libraries, or cinemas
2. Avoidance of being in these places due to fear of being trapped or not being able to get help if they develop a panic attack or lose control or something embarrassing happens.
3. Presence of fear or anxiety whenever they are physically in one of the agoraphobic locations (as mentioned in point no 1)
4. Active avoidance of agoraphobic location
5. Fear or anxiety is disproportionate to what should be expected.
6. Symptoms present for >6 months.
7. If a health condition is present, the fear avoidance is disproportional to the threat to their health
8. The fear, anxiety or avoidance is not due to another anxiety or mood disorder.