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Agoraphobia is not simply anxiety about a single situation. A person with agoraphobia experiences excessive anxiety about at least two of the following:
* Using public transportation (taxis, buses, trains, boats, airplanes, etc.)
* Being in open spaces like parking lots, marketplaces, bridges, etc.
* Being in enclosed spaces like elevators, theaters, and cinemas.
* Being in crowds or long queues.
* Being outside the home without a companion.
Your doctor will likely ask a series of questions to help with the diagnosis. Questions may include, but are not limited to:
* What symptoms are you experiencing that worry you?
* When did you first notice these symptoms?
* Under what circumstances do your symptoms worsen the most?
* What factors increase or decrease the severity of your symptoms?
* Do you avoid any situations or places because you fear they will trigger your symptoms?
* How are your symptoms affecting your social life?
* Have you been diagnosed with any medical conditions?
* Have you received treatment for psychological distress before?
* Have you ever considered harming yourself?
* Do you use alcohol or recreational drugs? How often?
In summary, agoraphobia can be diagnosed based on:
* Signs and symptoms
* A thorough interview with your doctor
* A detailed examination to rule out other conditions that could be causing your symptoms
The criteria for agoraphobia listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), published by the American Psychiatric Association, can also assist in diagnosis.
How is agoraphobia diagnosed?
* Using public transportation (taxis, buses, trains, boats, airplanes, etc.)
* Being in open spaces like parking lots, marketplaces, bridges, etc.
* Being in enclosed spaces like elevators, theaters, and cinemas.
* Being in crowds or long queues.
* Being outside the home without a companion.
Your doctor will likely ask a series of questions to help with the diagnosis. Questions may include, but are not limited to:
* What symptoms are you experiencing that worry you?
* When did you first notice these symptoms?
* Under what circumstances do your symptoms worsen the most?
* What factors increase or decrease the severity of your symptoms?
* Do you avoid any situations or places because you fear they will trigger your symptoms?
* How are your symptoms affecting your social life?
* Have you been diagnosed with any medical conditions?
* Have you received treatment for psychological distress before?
* Have you ever considered harming yourself?
* Do you use alcohol or recreational drugs? How often?
In summary, agoraphobia can be diagnosed based on:
* Signs and symptoms
* A thorough interview with your doctor
* A detailed examination to rule out other conditions that could be causing your symptoms
The criteria for agoraphobia listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), published by the American Psychiatric Association, can also assist in diagnosis.