The Relationship between Agoraphobia and Panic Disorder

Agoraphobia and panic disorder are closely related. In fact, panic disorder is the category of anxiety disorder that agoraphobia usually falls under. Over 95% of people diagnosed with agoraphobia actually have a type of panic disorder called “panic disorder with agoraphobia.”

Panic disorder can occur with or without agoraphobia and is defined by:
• frequent panic attacks
• persistent worry about having panic attacks
• worry about the implications or consequences of the panic attacks (like losing control, having a heart attack, or going crazy).
• significant changes in behavior related to the panic attacks.

Agoraphobia commonly develops from panic disorder. In fact, about one-third of people with panic disorder also develop agoraphobia at some point.

Looking at the features of panic disorder, you can probably see why people with panic disorder are prone to develop agoraphobia also. Worrying about panic attacks and their consequences can easily lead to fear of being out in public or open spaces and cause one to seek safety in familiar places.

Less than 5% of people with agoraphobia have what is called “agoraphobia without history of panic disorder.” People in this category fear public and open spaces because of panic-like symptoms but don’t meet the full criteria for panic disorder (according to the DSM-IV). They may fear going out in public because they are afraid they may get dizzy, faint, or fall helpless to the ground, but they do not experience full-blown panic attacks.

Article Source: http://www.agoraphobia.net

Stephen Price is a recovered agoraphobic with a master's degree in Psychology. His informational website on agoraphobia can be found on the Web at www.agoraphobia.ws

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