Biology — including health conditions and genetics — personality, stress and learning experiences may all play a role in the development of agoraphobia. Agoraphobia can begin in childhood, but usually starts in the late teen or early adult years — usually before age 35. But older adults also can develop it.

Agoraphobia is literally the fear of open or public places. People with agoraphobia may suffer symptoms of severe anxiety when they leave home or when they are in crowded places. Treatment usually involves some combination of talk therapy and medication. In cognitive behavioral therapy, for example, a clinician helps the patient to recognize distorted feelings about particular situations that may be adding to the anxiety. During therapy, the patient also learns to find individualized techniques to counter the stress and fear that is evoked. Often cognitive behavioral therapy is combined with exposure therapy and relaxation techniques.

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) reports that agoraphobia occurs to approximately 0.9% of adults in the U.S. population in any given year. This condition typically develops in adulthood, though it can emerge earlier in adolescence. Agoraphobia vs. Other Phobias

An individual with any anxiety disorder should receive professional treatment. If you have a loved one with agoraphobia, you should help them find professional mental health treatment that can address the short and long-term effects of anxiety on the body and teach them how to properly cope with these symptoms.