Agoraphobia is a persistent fear of being trapped in public situations or places with no way to escape easily and no one to help.
Agoraphobia is an anxiety disorder characterized by an intense fear or anxiety about being in situations where escape might be difficult or help unavailable should a panic attack or other incapacitating symptoms occur. This fear can lead people to avoid situations and environments that might provoke such feelings. Agoraphobia may develop in adolescents, particularly those who have panic attacks, but it is uncommon in children.
(See also Agoraphobia in adults.)
Symptoms of Agoraphobia in Children
Adolescents experience intense fear or anxiety during or before activities such as the following:
Using public transportation
Being in open spaces
Being in enclosed public spaces (such as a store or movie theater) from which children may be afraid they cannot escape
Standing in line or being in a crowd
Being outside the home alone
Adolescents may have panic attacks when they try to do the distressing activity. They may then avoid that activity.
Diagnosis of Agoraphobia in Children
A doctor’s evaluation, based on standard psychiatric diagnostic criteria
Sometimes questionnaires about symptoms
Symptoms
For agoraphobia to be diagnosed, the fear or anxiety must be unreasonable and
Persist for 6 months or more
Cause significant distress
Interfere with social, academic, or other functions
Treatment of Agoraphobia in Children
Behavioral therapy
Behavioral therapy is especially useful for agoraphobia symptoms.
Medications rarely help adolescents with agoraphobia, except to help control panic attacks.
