...Agoraphobia as defined by the APA Dictionary of Psychology is literally the fear of the market place. Agoraphobia is manifested as anxiety about being in places or situations, fearing one may have panic symptoms or a panic attack, throwing up or having diarrhea in public. Those with agoraphobia live with the terror that they may become trapped, desperately avoiding situations where they feel that they would not be able to escape quickly or that may not be able to get help if they need it.κ Those with agoraphobia have a hard time feeling safe in public places, and most especially where crowds gather. Common areas that most people suffering from agoraphobia dread are elevators, sporting events, bridges, lines, driving, public transportation, malls and airplanes. In the more serious cases of agoraphobia, one’s fears become so intense that they are just trapped in their own homes because that is the only place they truly feel safe.λ Unlike most phobias and fears, Agoraphobia usually begins between late adolescence and the mid-30s. This phobia is often passed along in families. It can also occur if a person grows up with an overprotective parent or a parent that is a perfectionist. According to the Mayo Clinic, between 1 and 5 percent of people in the United States develop agoraphobia in their lifetime. Nearly 80% of those suffering from this phobia are women.μ Something familiar to all of us is anxiety at its minor symptom level. This often seems to weigh against...
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