Agoraphobia

Agoraphobia is an anxiety disorder marked by intense fear of situations where escape may be difficult or help unavailable. It can lead to avoidance, reliance on companions, or distress when facing situations such as public transport, crowds, or open spaces.

Fear conditioning: A learning process in which a previously neutral cue becomes associated with danger and triggers fear. Situations associated with panic or feeling trapped can become cues for anticipatory fear.
Cognitive behavioral therapy: A structured psychotherapy that targets patterns of thought and behavior contributing to psychological distress. It can address catastrophic predictions, avoidance, and gradual return to feared situations.
Anxiety disorder: A mental disorder characterized by excessive fear or anxiety that causes distress or impairment. Agoraphobia is classified among anxiety disorders in major diagnostic systems.
Panic disorder: An anxiety disorder involving recurrent unexpected panic attacks and persistent concern or behavioral change related to further attacks. Agoraphobia can occur with or without panic disorder; the diagnoses describe different patterns.
Mobility limitation: A restriction in the ability to move through or access places and activities. Fear-driven avoidance can sharply narrow the places a person feels able to reach.
Avoidance coping: A response pattern that reduces distress by steering clear of feared thoughts, feelings, or situations. Avoiding places may bring short-term relief while preserving fear of returning.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor: A class of medicines that increases serotonin signaling by inhibiting its reuptake at synapses. SSRIs are commonly used as medication treatment for agoraphobia, often alongside psychotherapy.
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders: A diagnostic manual published by the American Psychiatric Association for classifying mental disorders. Its criteria specify the situations and persistence required for an agoraphobia diagnosis.
Generalized anxiety disorder: An anxiety disorder characterized by excessive, difficult-to-control worry across multiple areas of life. Its broad, persistent worry differs from agoraphobia's fear tied to particular situations.
Social isolation: A condition in which a person has limited social contact or participation. Avoiding gatherings and travel can reduce contact with friends, family, and community.

Linked from 24 pages