Clinical features – Agoraphobia
The term agoraphobia literally means fear of the market place. It is used to describe symptoms of severe anxiety and fear, which can arise in a number of circumstances when someone is:
- Away from home, family or friends
- In an open or public place
- In an unfamiliar place on their own
- In a place or situation, which may be confined and from it is difficult to escape
The symptoms may typically arise in buses, trains, supermarkets or the cinema, especially if crowded or confined. Such a situation may provoke a panic attack and the person will be frightened that they may collapse or die. As the condition progresses the person will try to avoid the anxiety-provoking situation; they will shop at the supermarket when it is quiet or travel on the bus outside the rush hour. The presence of a companion, even a child or a dog, may enable the person to go to the shop or travel on public transport. People will be aware that their fears are irrational or excessive, but will be unable to overcome them. Symptoms may become worse the longer the person is away from home. Untreated the person may become increasingly anxious at the thought of going shopping or leaving the house, even if escorted. In the most severe cases the person may only be able to take a few steps into the garden or not be able to leave home at all, even with a companion.
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