Agoraphobia

     The word agoraphobia is derived from Greek words literally meaning “fear of the marketplace.” The  erm is used to describe an irrational and often disabling fear of being out in public. Agoraphobia is just one type of phobia, or irrational fear. People with phobias feel dread or panic when they face certain  objects, situations, or activities. People with agoraphobia frequently also experience panic attacks, but panic attacks, or panic disorder, are not a requirement for a diagnosis of agoraphobia. The defining feature of agoraphobia is anxiety about being in places from which escape might be embarrasing or difficult, or in which help might be unavailable. The person suffering from agoraphobia usually avoids the anxiety-provok¬ing situation and may become totally housebound.