Agoraphobia usually develops between the ages of 15 and 35 and is usually a lifelong problem unless treated. Twice as many women are affected than men.
Many, but not all, people with agoraphobia also have a condition called panic disorder. Briefly, people with panic disorder have panic attacks that occur suddenly, often without warning. A panic attack is like a sudden and severe attack of anxiety and fear.
If you have panic disorder you may worry about having a panic attack in a public place which is embarrassing, difficult to get out of, or where help may not be available. Therefore, you may develop agoraphobia - a fear of being in such places - because you have panic disorder.