Agoraphobia is a fear of being in situations where escape might be difficult or that help wouldn't be available if things go wrong. Many people assume agoraphobia is simply a fear of open spaces, but it's actually a more complex condition. Someone with agoraphobia may be scared of traveling on public transport, visiting a shopping center, and leaving home.

If someone with agoraphobia finds themselves in a stressful situation, they usually experience the symptoms of panic attack, such as - rapid heartbeat, rapid breathing, feeling hot and sweaty, and feeling sick.

They'll avoid situations that cause anxiety and may only leave the house with a friend or partner. They'll order groceries online rather than going to the supermarket. This change in behavior is known as 'avoidance'.

Agoraphobia usually develops as a complication of panic disorder, an anxiety disorder involving panic attacks and moments of intense fear. It can arise by associating panic attacks with the places or situations where they occurred and then avoiding them.

More Info: www.nhs.uk