Agoraphobia

What is agoraphobia?

Agoraphobia is when you feel very scared or worried about being in places where you might not be able to escape easily or get help if something goes wrong. It's not just about being scared of open spaces - it can happen in many different situations.

People with agoraphobia might feel frightened about:

• Being in crowded places like shopping centres or concerts
• Using public transport like buses or trains
• Being in enclosed spaces like lifts or cinemas
• Being far from home or in unfamiliar places
• Being alone in public spaces

How does agoraphobia feel?

When someone with agoraphobia faces a scary situation, they might experience:

Physical feelings:

• Fast heartbeat or heart pounding
• Feeling out of breath or struggling to breathe
• Sweating or feeling hot
• Feeling sick or dizzy
• Shaking or trembling
• Chest pain or tight chest

Emotional feelings:

• Intense fear or panic
• Feeling like something terrible will happen
• Wanting to escape or run away
• Feeling like you're losing control
• Fear of having a panic attack

What causes agoraphobia?

Agoraphobia often develops after someone has had panic attacks. They start to worry about having another panic attack in public, so they begin avoiding certain places or situations. This avoidance can gradually get worse over time.

Other factors that might contribute include:

• Very stressful life events
• Other mental health conditions like depression
• Family history of anxiety disorders
• Being naturally more anxious or sensitive

How agoraphobia affects daily life

Agoraphobia can make everyday activities very difficult. Some people might:

• Avoid going to work or school
• Stop socialising with friends and family
• Only feel safe at home
• Need someone with them when they go out
• Avoid using public transport
• Stop doing activities they used to enjoy

In severe cases, some people become completely housebound and find it very hard to leave their home at all.

When to speak to your GP

You should speak to your GP if:

• Your fears are affecting your daily life
• You're avoiding places or situations because of anxiety
• You're having panic attacks regularly
• You feel like you can't cope with your worries
• You're becoming isolated from friends and family

Seek urgent help if you:

• Have thoughts of hurting yourself
• Feel completely unable to leave your home
• Are experiencing severe panic attacks that feel like heart problems

Getting better

The good news is that agoraphobia can be treated effectively. Your GP might suggest:

• Talking therapies like counselling
• Self-help techniques and resources
• Sometimes medication to help with anxiety
• Gradual exposure to feared situations with professional support

Recovery takes time, and it's normal to have ups and downs. Many people with agoraphobia go on to live full, active lives with the right support and treatment.

Remember, having agoraphobia doesn't mean you're weak or "going mad" - it's a recognised medical condition that many people experience. With proper help, you can learn to manage your fears and regain confidence in daily activities.

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Based on NHS.uk guidance. Written by Dr Krishnan Pasupathi, NHS GP.