Abstract

Agoraphobia consists of fear and avoidance of public places, or fear of being far from home, family and friends. Patients become anxious in anticipation of going out, particularly when unaccompanied, and may thus be restricted in their activities, or even housebound. Some patients have co-existing depression or suffer panic attacks. The cause of agoraphobia remains unknown.^1,2,3 Management involves general measures such as reassurance and increasing motivation together with behavioural therapy and/or drugs.