Which of the following situation includes Agoraphobia?: (A) Fear of Public spaces, (B) Fear of crowds, (C) Fear of going away from home alone, (D) All of the above
Answer is D. Ans. D. All of the aboveAGORAPHOBIA* Irrational & undue phobia of a particular situation is known as agoraphobia.* This is an example of irrational fear of situation.* It is commonest type of phobia encountered in clinical practice.* Women outnumber men in suffering agoraphobias* It is characterized by irrational fear of being in places away from familiar setting of homes.* Although it was earlier thought to be a fear of open spaces only now it includes fear of open space, public places, crowded places, any other place where there is no escape from public view.* In fact, patient is afraid of all the places or situation from where escape may be difficult or help may not be available if he suddenly develops embarrassing or incapacitating symptoms.* These embarrassing or incapacitating symptoms are the classical symptoms of public phobia.* A full-blown panic attack may occur (agoraphobia with panic disorder) or only a few symptoms like dizziness or tachycardia may occur (agoraphobia without panic disorder).