What causes agoraphobia

Learn more about agoraphobia, including symptoms, causes and available treatment.Having panic attacks or other phobias.Traveling in a car, bus, or airplane;People with agoraphobia feel scared of places that might make them feel trapped (like being unable to leave a classroom), on the spot or embarrassed (in conversation with others), or out of control (a party where they do not control the tone and timing).Some of these factors include:

However, many believe it's a combination of biological and psychological factors, including… a neurotransmitter imbalance, which activates your fight or flight response.Psychological factors that increase your risk of developing agoraphobia include:A traumatic childhood experience, such as the death of a parent or being sexually abused experiencing a stressful event, such as bereavement, divorce, or losing your job a previous history of mental illnesses, such as depression, anorexia nervosa, or bulimiaA previous history of mental illness.Responding to panic attacks with excess fear and apprehension.

Family members with agoraphobia or other phobias.However, one of the most common occurrences is the development of agoraphobia following a panic attack.Agoraphobia is a complex phobia in which someone is afraid of situations that may cause panic or feelings of helplessness.Causes biology — including health conditions and genetics — temperament, environmental stress and learning experiences may all play a role in the development of agoraphobia.Agoraphobia involves avoidance of situations such as being alone outside of the home;

There are several situations that can result in the onset of agoraphobia, including:For some people, agoraphobia may be hereditary or genetic, meaning the tendency to develop this type of anxiety disorder runs in families.