Agoraphobia without Panic Disorder

Agoraphobia originally meant "fear of the marketplace (agora)." The person with agoraphobia fears having a panic attack in public, and therefore fears public places.  Because of this, the person avoids, not only crowded places, but also elevators, walking on the street, or any situation from which escape to a safe haven might not be easy or certain. This often includes any place outside the house, which explains why many people who suffer from agoraphobia do not leave their homes for months or years at a time. 

People with agoraphobia may or may not be able to enter some feared situations if they are accompanied by a trusted friend or family member. The "pure agoraphobic" is someone who has never been diagnosed with panic disorder. His or her panic-like symptoms are more likely to be fear of dizziness, diarrhea, or loss of bladder control than the dramatic physiological changes characteristic of full-fledged panic attacks. As with so many other diagnoses, the symptoms cannot be the result of a medical condition or of the use of a drug or medication.

If you or someone you love has agoraphobia, you may find relief if you consult a mental health professional (clinician, therapist). A mental health professional  will conduct a thorough evaluation  to first understand what is happening and then will discuss treatment options, including medications.

There are many ways family members or loved ones can help individuals to deal with their disorder better. 

Go to this web site for more information and inspirational stories of recovery from panic attacks or agoraphobia.

Read a book on the subject:  

Anxiety, Phobias, and Panic : A Step-By-Step Program for Regaining Control of Your Life by Reneau Z. Peurifoy