Agoraphobia

Definition: This is an anxiety disorder in which a person has a strong aversion to situations where escape or help may not be available to them if danger presented itself, particularly if a panic attack occurred. People with severe agoraphobia have difficulty leaving their homes, which makes the opportunities for treatment very limited. Agoraphobia can occur at the same time as other anxiety disorders like generalized anxiety disorder, and is treated very similarly (psychotherapy and/or medication). Read more on the diagnostic criteria for GAD here.