22nd February 2024

Background

Agoraphobia is described as worrying about being somewhere where there is no escape or being anxious about having a panic attack where help is not available. This leads to persistent avoidance of a variety of things. Agoraphobic avoidance can range from avoiding crowds or travelling in certain modes of transport to never leaving the house. Agoraphobia is most likely to develop in people with panic disorder; however, it can also occur on its own.  Risk factors include having a panic disorder, presence of phobia or being female. Almost a third of sufferers also struggle with substance misuse. Due to its disabling nature, sufferers struggle with their everyday functions and staying in employment.