Researchers don’t know the exact cause of agoraphobia. However, it’s often associated with an existing panic disorder. Panic disorder causes short, intense attacks of fear for no particular reason. About a third of people who have panic disorder develop agoraphobia. But agoraphobia also can occur alone. What are the symptoms of agoraphobia?

Agoraphobia is a type of anxiety disorder which involves fear of being trapped or being panicked and avoiding such situations. The symptoms of agoraphobia include fear of leaving home alone, many people, waiting in a queue, enclosed places like theatres, small stores, open spaces like malls, and parking lots, and using public transportation. Treatment includes psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy and medicine.

Agoraphobia (ag-uh-ruh-FOE-be-uh) is a type of anxiety disorder. Agoraphobia involves fearing and avoiding places or situations that might cause panic and feelings of being trapped, helpless or embarrassed. You may fear an actual or upcoming situation.

In the DSM-IV, agoraphobia was not a formal psychiatric diagnosis but was instead considered a qualifier of panic disorder.