Agoraphobia is Greek for “fear of the marketplace.” The disorder is characterized by anxiety over finding oneself in places or situations from which escape might be difficult or embarrassing should a panic attack or panic-like symptoms occur. Agoraphobia commonly accompanies panic disorders.

People with agoraphobia typically avoid any situations in which they might experience panic. As a result, many patients spend increasing amounts of time at home and in other sheltered situations, significantly hampering their ability to work, travel, perform daily tasks and maintain interpersonal relationships.