Agoraphobia

Symptoms:

• fear of being alone
• fear of losing control in a public place
• fear of being in places where escape might be difficult
• becoming house bound for prolonged periods
• feelings of detachment or estrangement from others
• feelings of helplessness
• dependence upon others
• feeling that the body is unreal
• feeling that the environment is unreal
• anxiety or panic attack (acute severe anxiety)
• unusual temper or agitation with trembling or twitching

Additional symptoms that may occur:

• lightheadedness, near fainting
• dizziness
• excessive sweating
• skin flushing
• breathing difficulty
• chest pain
• heartbeat sensations
• nausea and vomiting
• numbness and tingling
• abdominal distress that occurs when upset
• choking that occurs when emotional
• confused or disordered thoughts
  • intense fear of going crazy
  • intense fear of dying

Signs and tests:

There may be a history of phobias, or the health care provider may receive a description of typical behaviors from family, friends, or the affected person. The pulse (heart rate) is often rapid, sweating is present, and the patient may have high blood pressure.