Agoraphobia
Agoraphobia involves intense fear or anxiety about situations where escape might be difficult or help unavailable if panic-like symptoms occur. People with agoraphobia often avoid places like crowds, public transportation, open spaces, or being outside the home alone. In severe cases, some individuals become housebound. Agoraphobia affects roughly 1-2% of adults and often develops in late adolescence or early adulthood, though it can occur at any age.
What is Agoraphobia?
Agoraphobia is often misunderstood as simply “fear of open spaces,” but it’s more accurately a fear of being in situations where escape might be embarrassing or difficult if something goes wrong. The “something” is typically panic-like symptoms—a racing heart, dizziness, feeling faint—but the fear is about being trapped or unable to get help if those symptoms arise. Many people with agoraphobia have experienced panic attacks in the past, though that’s not always the case. Over time, the avoidance itself can become the primary issue, shrinking someone’s world significantly.
Commonly Avoided Situations in Agoraphobia
People with agoraphobia typically fear and avoid several types of situations, including:
- Using public transportation (buses, trains, planes, ferries)
- Being in open spaces (parking lots, marketplaces, bridges)
- Being in enclosed spaces (shops, theaters, elevators)
- Standing in line or being in crowds
- Being outside the home alone
- Any situation where leaving quickly would be difficult or embarrassing
Treatment for Agoraphobia
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with exposure therapy is the primary treatment for agoraphobia. The work involves gradually facing avoided situations in a structured way, starting with less distressing scenarios and building up to more challenging ones. A therapist may accompany you initially or help you plan exposures to complete on your own. Cognitive techniques address beliefs about danger and your ability to cope if symptoms arise. For people who also experience panic disorder, treatment often targets both conditions simultaneously. Medication, particularly SSRIs, can be helpful when symptoms are severe or when avoidance has been longstanding. The goal is to rebuild confidence in moving through the world without constant fear of being trapped or unable to escape.
Miami Counseling & Resource Center has specialized expertise in treating agoraphobia and can help you regain independence and mobility. Contact us to schedule a consultation.
Did You Know?
The Agoraphobia (Anxiety) Resource Center, founded in 1977 by Dr. Paula Levine, was one of four original components that eventually came together to form Miami Counseling & Resource Center. Dr. Levine was a pioneer in the treatment of anxiety disorders, and her center was the first outpatient facility in Dade County dedicated specifically to helping people with anxiety and phobic conditions. That legacy of specialized, evidence-based anxiety treatment continues today across all of our services.