Agoraphobia Symptoms & Diagnosis

Symptoms

Symptoms include:

• Fear of being in a crowd, shopping, standing in line, or similar activities
• Fear of riding in a car, bus, or train
• Creation of a safe zone
• Feelings of anxiety when outside the safe zone
• Fear of being alone
• Avoidance of situations that might cause a panic attack
• Restriction of activities outside the home
• Feeling of being safer with a trusted friend
• Lack of interest in normal activities
• Becoming homebound

Agoraphobia is commonly associated with the following:

• Panic disorder
• Depression
• Eating disorders ( anorexia nervosa , bulimia nervosa )
• Alcohol or drug abuse

Feared situations may trigger a panic attack. Attacks start quickly and peak in about 10 minutes. A panic attack usually includes four or more of the following:

• Intense fear
• Shaking
• Rapid heartbeat
• Pounding or racing feeling in the chest
• Sweating
• Blushing
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Hot flashes or chills
• Numbness or tingling
• Nausea
• Feeling of loss of control or "going crazy"
• Fear of having a heart attack or dying

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. The doctor may also look for a medical condition, drug, or other substance that may be causing your symptoms.

You may be asked questions about your:

• Use of alcohol and drugs
• Mental health
• Family's mental health

There are no tests for agoraphobia or panic disorder. However, you may have heart or blood tests done to look for an underlying cause.