- Fear of being alone
- Fear of losing control in a public place
- Fear of being in places where escape might be difficult
- Becoming housebound for prolonged periods
- Feelings of detachment or estrangement from others
- Feelings of helplessness
- Dependence upon others
- Feeling that the body is unreal
- Feeling that the environment is unreal
- Anxiety or panic attack (acute severe anxiety)
- Unusual temper or agitation with trembling or twitching
Additional symptoms that may occur:
- Lightheadedness, near fainting
- Dizziness
- Excessive sweating
- Skin flushing
- Breathing difficulty
- Chest pain
- Heartbeat sensations
- Nausea and vomiting
- Numbness and tingling
- Abdominal distress
- Confused or disordered thoughts
- Intense fear of going crazy
- Intense fear of dying
There may be a history of phobias, or the health care provider may receive a description of typical behaviors from family, friends, or the affected person. The pulse (heart rate) is often rapid, sweating is present, and the patient may have high blood pressure. A person may be described as having agoraphobia if other mental disorders or medical conditions do not provide better explanation for the person's symptoms.
