Agoraphobia

By Anka Tezcan

Definition

• A fear of being in places where is may be difficult or embarrassing to get out quickly if one has a panic attack.

• Patients have a hard time in public places, crowds, and fear many places such as sporting events, public transportation, etc.

Causes

• When one begins to associate his panic attacks with one or more situations that have occurred outside.

Symptoms

• Fear of being alone, in crowded places, losing control in a public place, inability to leave one’s house for long periods.

• Could also have symptoms similar to those of a panic attack: lightheadedness, dizziness, trouble breathing.

Prevalence of Illness

• Usually begins from late early adolescence to early adulthood.

• Between 1 and 5% of people in the U.S. develop agoraphobia in their lifetime.

• Women are diagnosed with it more often than men.

Possible Cures

• Combination of medication and psychotherapy.

• Cognitive behavior therapy

Examples on Television

• Monk

Examples on Television (ctd.)

• Hey Arnold- Stoop Kid