Agoraphobia: The Fear of Embarrassment or Losing Control

Literally translated as a fear of the market place in Modern Greek, Agoraphobia is the fear of being in a public situation that will create embarrassment or bring on a panic attack. Some people suffering from agoraphobia, do fine when in a place they feel they have control over, such as their home or room. Some Agoraphobics become confined to their homes and are affected socially and interpersonally. 

Women suffer from Agoraphobia more often then men and the Panic attacks brought on by Agoraphobia can be devastating. It is estimated that between 2.7 and 5.7 percent of the adult population suffers from Agoraphobia. The onset of Agoraphobia usually occurs between the age of 15 and 35. And is twice as likely to occur in Women then in men. 

Although Agoraphobia tends to run in families, the causes are not completely understood. 

Some of the symptoms of Agoraphobia include: 

• Fear of being alone
• Fear of losing control in a public place 
• Fear of being in places where escape might be difficult 
• Becoming house bound for prolonged periods 
• Feelings of detachment or estrangement from others 
• Feelings of helplessness 
• Dependence upon others 
• Feeling that the body is unreal 
• Feeling that the environment is unreal
• Anxiety or Panic attack (Acute Severe anxiety)
• Unusual temper or Agitation With Trembling or twitching

Some additional symptoms that may occur:
• Lightheadedness, near Fainting
• Dizziness
• Excessive sweating
• Skin flushing
• Breathing difficulty
• Chest pain
• Heartbeat sensations
• Nausea and vomiting
• Numbness and tingling
• Abdominal distress that occurs when upset
• Confused or disordered thoughts
• Intense fear of going crazy
• Intense fear of dying

In most cases, the person with agoraphobia feels some relief from the symptoms after he or she has left the situation where the attack occurred or returned home.