Symptoms - Agoraphobia

Agoraphobia is a fear of being in situations where it would be difficult to escape or get help if things go wrong.

Someone with agoraphobia may be scared of:

• travelling on public transport
• visiting a shopping centre
• leaving home

If someone with agoraphobia finds themselves in a stressful situation, they'll have the symptoms of a panic attack, such as:

• rapid heartbeat
• rapid breathing (hyperventilating)
• feeling hot and sweaty
• feeling sick

They'll avoid situations that cause anxiety and may only leave the house with a friend or partner. They'll order groceries online rather than going to the supermarket. This change in behaviour is known as avoidance.

How severe agoraphobia is can be different for each person.

Someone with severe agoraphobia may not be able to leave the house. Someone who has mild agoraphobia may be able to travel short distances without problems.

Symptoms of agoraphobia

The symptoms of agoraphobia can fall into 3 types:

• physical
• cognitive
• behavioural

Physical symptoms

The physical symptoms of agoraphobia usually only happen in situations or environments that cause anxiety.

The physical symptoms of agoraphobia can be similar to those of a panic attack.

They may include:

• rapid heartbeat
• rapid breathing (hyperventilating)
• feeling hot and sweaty
• feeling sick
• chest pain
• difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
• diarrhoea
• trembling
• dizziness
• ringing in your ears (tinnitus)
• feeling faint

Cognitive symptoms

The cognitive symptoms of agoraphobia are feelings or thoughts that can be related to the physical symptoms.

You may fear that:

• a panic attack will make you look stupid or feel embarrassed in front of other people
• a panic attack will be life threatening - for example, you may be worried your heart will stop or you'll not be able to breathe
• you may not be able to leave a place or situation
• you're losing your sanity
• you may tremble and blush in front of people
• people may stare at you

You may also have psychological symptoms that are not related to panic attacks.

You may:

• feel you cannot function or survive without the help of others
• have a fear of being left alone in your house (monophobia)
• have a general feeling of anxiety or dread

Behavioural symptoms

Behavioural symptoms of agoraphobia are things you do or how you act.

You may:

• avoid situations that could lead to panic attacks - such as crowded places, public transport or queues
• be housebound - not be able to leave the house for long periods of time
• need to be with someone you trust when going anywhere
• avoid being far away from home

Some people are able to force themselves to confront uncomfortable situations. But they feel a lot of fear and anxiety while doing so.

When to get help

Contact your GP if you have symptoms of agoraphobia and they're interfering with your life, such as:

• chest pain
• shortness of breath
• headaches
• dizziness
• fainting episodes
• unexplained weakness
• the sensation that your heart is beating irregularly (palpitations)
• depression
• thoughts of suicide
• thoughts of self-harm

Your GP can make a diagnosis and recommend the best treatment.