According to the Mayo Clinic, Agoraphobia is “is a type of anxiety disorder in which you fear and often avoid places or situations that might cause you to panic and make you feel trapped, helpless or embarrassed.”
PsychCentral.com expands on this, saying:
Agoraphobic fears typically involve characteristic clusters of situations that include being outside the home alone; being in a crowd or standing in a line; being on a bridge; and traveling in a bus, train, or automobile.
More specifically, the diagnostic criteria in the DSM-5 requires that an individual experiences intense fear in response to (or when anticipating entering) at least 2 of the following 5 situations:
- using public transportation, such as automobiles, buses, trains, ships, or planes
- being in open spaces, such as parking lots, marketplaces, or bridges
- being in enclosed spaces, such as shops, theaters, or cinemas
- standing in line or being in a crowd
- being outside of the home alone
A person who experiences agoraphobia avoids such situations (e.g., travel is restricted; the person changes daily routines) or else they are endured with significant distress.
If you feel that you might have agoraphobia, you can start by taking this quick test at Online-Therapy.com. It does not constitute a diagnosis, but it may help you determine whether contacting a mental health professional for a formal diagnosis and treatment plan is the right next step for you. And if you are already sure that you’re struggling with severe agoraphobia and have difficulty leaving your home, rest assured that our offices and many others can accommodate your needs with a home visit.