Agoraphobia Fact Sheet

Did you know…?

• Approximately 3.2 million Americans ages 18-54 have agoraphobia at any given time (National Institute of Mental Health).
• Agoraphobia is two types of anxiety disorder. It is a panic disorder and a phobia.
• The term “agoraphobia” literally means “fear of the marketplace.”
• Though depression is not technically a symptom, 50% of people with agoraphobia also experience depression.
• Agoraphobia can be caused by a combination of factors (physiological, genetic, family environment, personality).
• The onset usually occurs between late adolescence and the mid-30s.
• Approximately four times more women than men are diagnosed.
• Agoraphobia is not physically dangerous. Although the symptoms can feel like a medical emergency, there is no record of anyone dying from anxiety, panic, or extreme fear.
• Agoraphobia is not a mental illness, even though panic attacks may make you feel like you are going crazy. It can be treated successfully with a good self-help program.
• The most effective treatment for agoraphobia is the combination of cogntive and behavioral therapy, which can be practiced with or without professional help. An estimated 90% of people who try cognitive-behavioral therapy make noticeable improvement.
• There is no quick fix or overnight cure for agoraphobia, as some self-proclaimed experts might claim on the internet. Research suggests that an effective cognitive-behavioral recovery program takes 12-16 weeks to significantly reduce anxiety and panic symptoms.
• Medication does not offer a cure. The most common medications prescribed for agoraphobia are benzodiazepines (Xanax, Ativan, Valium) and SSRI anti-depressants (Paxil, Prozac, Lexapro, Zoloft). However, medication stops working when you stop taking it and some medications can be addictive or have bad side effects.