agoraphobia

Clinical manifestations

• a disorder characterized by a fear of open, public places or of situations where crowds are found (fear of crowds)
• patients may dislike social situations, but are not afraid of social interactions
• fear of being trapped in a place where they might develop anxiety or a panic attack & not be able to escape

Differential diagnosis

• social phobia, social anxiety disorder
  • avoidance of occupational & social situations because of fears of interacting with other people

Management

• treat as panic disorder
  • cognitive behavioral therapy is first line
    • SSRI if pharmaceutical intervention is necessary

More general terms

• phobia