What Is Agoraphobia?

Agoraphobia is an anxiety disorder that causes extreme fear and anxiety of places where leaving or escaping may be challenging. People with agoraphobia often avoid situations where they might feel trapped or panicked, such as events with large crowds, public transportation, or leaving the house alone.
In severe cases, people with agoraphobia can become housebound due to their anxiety of leaving the home. This can greatly impact quality of life and cause them to become dependent on others.
About 1-3% of adolescents and adults experience agoraphobia. The disorder may be more prevalent in older adults; research suggests agoraphobia occurs in nearly 11% of adults over 65 years old.
A mental health professional can help diagnose agoraphobia and treat the symptoms.
What Is Agoraphobia?