Agoraphobia is one of the anxiety disorders. The term agoraphobia was originally used to describe a fear of large open spaces. However, this definition is not entirely accurate. People suffering from agoraphobia are especially afraid of spaces where there are large numbers of people or spaces that make it impossible to escape quickly. These are typically means of transport, supermarkets, cultural buildings and the like. An anxious person suffers from a hard-to-describe fear that "something will happen" to them in this situation. He collapses mentally or physically, panics, faints. He cannot escape from the enclosed space, he becomes embarrassed, the surroundings do not understand that he is sick, they will observe or judge him. Some agoraphobics, on the other hand, are stressed by situations and spaces where they find themselves alone and unaided (in a lift, at home, in a car). There will be no one around to give them help in an emergency.

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Agoraphobia can develop on its own, but more often it is superimposed on another anxiety disorder. Typically, it is caused by a panic disorder, panic attack or the experience of a massive anxiety attack with a strong psychosomatic reaction.

The experience of a rush of intense anxiety, which often causes the sufferer unexpected and very unpleasant physical discomfort (heart palpitations, tightening of the throat, choking), usually represents a trauma for the sufferer.

Understandably, he then becomes concerned about his mental and physical health and anticipates that a similar situation will recur.

Thus, he develops a spiral of so-called anticipatory anxiety, i.e. actually "anxiety about future anxiety".

Agoraphobia is usually associated with avoidant behaviour, the nature of which corresponds to the content of anxious thoughts.

For example, if we fear a risky situation that would occur in a crowded area, we tend not to visit these places, send someone in our place, and so on. Avoidant behaviour, however, brings only short-term relief and, in the longer term, exacerbates the disorder.

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is the primary treatment for agoraphobia and should be combined with elements of exposure therapy. A significant effect can also be achieved by supplementing CBT with targeted therapeutic work with the cognitive function of attention in the form of the Mindfulness method.

In severe cases, the therapeutic process can be supported by gentle medication. SSRI or SNRI antidepressants are very effective in this respect. Medication containing highly addictive benzodiazepines is definitely not recommended for long-term treatment.