Agoraphobia
Definition
The ancient term agoraphobia is translated from Greek
as fear of an open marketplace. Accordingly to the
International Classification of Disease of WHO (ICD-
10), agoraphobia is characterized as the fear or avoidance
of crowds, public places, traveling alone, etc. At
least two symptoms of psycho-physiological agitation
(e. g. tachycardia, fear of losing control) have to appear
simultaneously. The psychological stress for persons
suffering from agoraphobia is significant, especially as
most realize that their safety-seeking behavior is exaggerated.
Most people develop agoraphobia after the
onset of panic disorder. Agoraphobia is best understood
as an adverse behavioral outcome of repeated
panic attacks and the subsequent worry, preoccupation,
and avoidance.
Cross-References
Anxiety Disorders
