Agoraphobia
goodtoknow says: Agoraphobia is a phobia where you have a fear of open spaces, often public places, and of not being able to escape. Many agoraphobics are confined to their home as walking out of their front door can leave them paralysed with terror. Agoraphobia typically affects women and can start from your early 20s. You may experience heart palpitations, breathlessness, feel sick, shake, get a dry mouth and sweat when you come to face to face with what you fear. Early treatment is key to overcoming your phobia. Cognitive behaviour therapy, CBT, and antidepressants are highly effective.
For a full medical explanation of the causes, symptoms and treatments of agoraphobia from patient.co.uk, read on.
Agoraphobia is an intense fear about being in public places where you feel escape might be difficult. So you tend to avoid public places, and may not even venture out from home. It can greatly affect your life. Treatment can work well in many cases. Treatment options include cognitive behaviour therapy and medication, usually with an SSRI antidepressant.
