Agoraphobia: Has COVID fueled this anxiety disorder?

The past year has been hard on most of us. Who hasn’t felt anxious? Who hasn’t wanted to retreat from the world at times? Staying home when possible as COVID-19 rates climbed felt safer — and in many places was required by lockdown rules. Yet, could growing accustomed to feeling less safe in public spaces seed, or feed, the anxiety disorder known as agoraphobia? If you’re wondering whether the discomfort you experience is normal or has crossed a line, read on. What is agoraphobia? People with agoraphobia become anxious in places where they feel helpless, out of control, stuck, or judged. Someone who has agoraphobia might avoid places where they might be trapped (such as an office meeting) or put on the spot and judged — perhaps during a conversation at a party. They also may avoid situations or places that feel out of control, such as a trip with other people where they don’t control the schedule and timing, or an open, public space like a park. As a result, people who have agoraphobia often fear leaving their homes. In the US, about 2% of adults and teens have agoraphobia, according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition. Roughly a third to half of people with agoraphobia have had panic attacks prior to diagnosis. What are the symptoms of agoraphobia? A feared situation — or even the thought of such a situation — triggers panic or panic attacks, often when a person is outside of their home. A panic attack is an intense bou...
Source: Harvard Health Blog - Category: Consumer Health News Authors: Tags: Anxiety and Depression Coronavirus and COVID-19 Health Mental Health Stress Source Type: blogs