Coping with AGORAPHOBIA

Agoraphobia is more complex than a fear of open spaces. Around one in 50 UK adults have panic disorder, of which a third then develop agoraphobia. Twice as many women as men have it, usually starting between the ages of 18 and 35, of varying severity. Psychological factors increasing risk include traumatic childhood experiences (such as death of a parent or abuse) or other stressful events (such as job loss, bereavement, divorce, and alcohol or drug misuse). It can also be triggered by previous mental illnesses, such as depression, anorexia or bulimia.

Symptoms are classified into three types: physical