Agoraphobia

Agoraphobia may actually occur on its own in a person.

But it's frequently associated with panic attacks and panic disorder.

The main characteristic of agoraphobia is a fear of leaving a safe haven such as home. And the fact that if they leave that place, they will experience a great deal of anxiety, or if there is so much anxiety associated with leaning home, they may avoid it altogether.

If untreated, this could last a lifetime.

Sometimes agoraphobia is associated with other anxiety disorders such as PTSD (or post traumatic stress disorder).

The DSM-IV criteria for the diagnosis of agoraphobia are:

1. Marked anxiety of being in a place or a situation that make escape difficult, embarrassing, or impossible. Typically involves characteristic clusters of situations. (E.g., leaving home alone, crowds, standing in a line, going over a bridge, public transportation )

2. The situation(s) that cause fear are avoid or endured with intense distress. There may be a need for the presence of a companion to help see them thought the situation(s).

3. Not due to a substance, general medical condition, or other disorder.

Yes, it is a severe type of anxiety disorder.