Agoraphobia
2-minute read
What is agoraphobia?
Agoraphobia is when people have a fear of or worry about having a panic attack in a place that they can’t escape from, like public transport, crowds or queues. It can include a fear of being in open spaces, enclosed spaces, or anywhere where help would not be available if they had a panic attack. People with agoraphobia will try to avoid these situations.
Signs and symptoms of agoraphobia
Agoraphobia is linked to panic disorder and also belongs to a group of conditions called specific phobias.
People with specific phobias might also practise avoidance in less noticeable ways like avoiding exercise or sexual relations. Panic and related phobias like agoraphobia can seriously impede an individual's ability to go to work or socialise with friends and family.
Signs of agoraphobia include:
- avoiding situations because of concern you’ll have a panic attack, or only going with someone who you think can help you if you do have a panic attack
- experiencing anxiety or fear about being in places where escape might be difficult, such as public transport or in large crowds at a concert
- feeling anxious or panicking when you can’t avoid certain situations
More information
- Find out more about specific phobias.
- Check out a personal story on recovering from agoraphobia.
Not sure what to do next?
If you or someone you know are finding it difficult to manage mental health issues, try healthdirect’s Symptom Checker and get advice on when to seek professional help.
The Symptom Checker guides you to the next appropriate healthcare steps, whether it’s self care, talking to a health professional, going to a hospital or calling triple zero (000).
Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content.
Last reviewed: July 2019
Need more information?
These trusted information partners have more on this topic.
Top results
Agoraphobia - Better Health Channel
A person with agoraphobia is afraid to leave familiar environments, because they are afraid of having a panic attack.
Read more on Better Health Channel website

What is agoraphobia? | Anxiety | ReachOut Australia
Agoraphobia is an anxiety disorder characterised by a fear of having a panic attack in a situation that is difficult to escape from. Learn more at ReachOut.
Read more on ReachOut.com website

Learn the facts about Agoraphobia | WayAhead Fact Sheet
Agoraphobia can be defined as significant fear and a belief that it would not be possible to escape a situation if panic-like symptoms occurred.
Read more on WayAhead Mental Health Association NSW website

Panic disorder - myDr.com.au
People with panic disorder have repeated panic attacks that often occur out of the blue, and agoraphobia is a common complication.
Read more on myDr website

Online Treatment Course for Anxiety & Panic Attacks | THIS WAY UP
Learn practical strategies for managing anxiety and panic attacks with our clinically-proven online course for panic and agoraphobia.
Read more on This Way Up website

Anxiety and fear | Open Arms
If anxiety is interfering with your capacity to function normally (or even leave the house), it's time to get help.
Read more on Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling website

CCI - Panic Disorder Self-Help Resources
Self-help resources for panic, written by clinical psychologists.
Read more on Centre for Clinical Interventions website

Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) - Better Health Channel
People with body dysmorphic disorder constantly worry about the way they look.
Read more on Better Health Channel website

Anxiety disorders | Mental Health Online
There are six different types of anxiety disorders and people can have more than one type at any one time.
Read more on Mental Health Online website

Anxiety and pregnancy
Antenatal anxiety occurs when feelings of anxiety and stress won't go away.
Read more on Pregnancy, Birth & Baby website

Top results
Agoraphobia | CRUfAD
CONTACT US URGENT CARE About Us Our Research For Patients For Clinicians Select Page Agoraphobia Panic disorder and Agoraphobia Pages 246-257 from the Management of Mental Disorders, published by World Health Organization, Sydney
Read more on CRUfAD – Clinical Research Unit for Anxiety and Depression website

Panic | CRUfAD
CONTACT US URGENT CARE About Us Our Research For Patients For Clinicians Select Page Panic Management plan for Panic Disorder Pages 246-257 from the Management of Mental Disorders, published by World Health Organization, Sydney
Read more on CRUfAD – Clinical Research Unit for Anxiety and Depression website

Valerian for anxiety disorders | Cochrane
Authors' conclusions: Since only one small study is currently available, there is insufficient evidence to draw any conclusions about the efficacy or safety of valerian compared with placebo or diazepam for anxiety disorders
Read more on Cochrane (Australasian Centre) website

Social Phobia
Social phobia, the fear of being judged negatively, is often not recognised because patients do not like to talk about their fears. It is also not recognized because clinicians either confuse it with shyness, or judge the secondary depression or substance dependence to be the primary disorder.
Read more on CRUfAD – Clinical Research Unit for Anxiety and Depression website

Healthdirect 24hr 7 days a week hotline
24 hour health advice you can count on
Government Accredited with over 140 information partners
We are a government-funded service, providing quality, approved health information and advice