Is Agoraphobia the Same as Panic Disorder?

Since people with agoraphobia usually suffer from panic attacks, people often ask me if agoraphobia is the same as panic disorder.

The answer is no, but....

Agoraphobia and panic disorder usually come hand-in-hand. Over 95% of people diagnosed with agoraphobia actually have panic disorder with agoraphobia.

Panic disorder (with or without agoraphobia) is defined by:
- frequent panic attacks
- persistent worry about having panic attacks
- worry about the implications or consequences of the panic attacks (like losing control, having a heart attack, or going crazy).
- Significant changes in behavior related to the panic attacks.

Looking at the features of panic disorder, you can probably see why people with panic disorder commonly develop agoraphobia also. Worrying about panic attacks and their consequences can easily lead to fear of being out in public or open spaces and cause one to retreat to “safe” and familiar places.

Less than 5% of people with agoraphobia have what is called “agoraphobia without history of panic disorder.” People in this category fear public and open spaces because of panic-like symptoms but don’t meet the full criteria for panic disorder (according to the DSM-IV). In other words, they may fear going out in public because they are afraid they may get dizzy, faint, or fall helpless to the ground – but do not experience full on panic attacks.