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agoraphobia
Clinical manifestations:
- a disorder characterized by a fear of open, public places or of situations where crowds are found (fear of crowds)
- patients may dislike social situations, but are not afraid of social interactions
- fear of being trapped in a place where they might develop anxiety or a panic attack & not be able to escape [1]
Differential diagnosis:
- social phobia, social anxiety disorder
- avoidance of occupational & social situations because of fears of interacting with other people
Management:
- treat as panic disorder
- cognitive behavioral therapy is first line
- SSRI if pharmaceutical intervention is necessary
General
phobia
References
- NEJM Knowledge+ Psychiatry
- Vogele C, Ehlers A, Meyer AH, Frank M, Hahlweg K, Margraf J.
Cognitive mediation of clinical improvement after intensive exposure therapy
of agoraphobia and social phobia.
Depress Anxiety. 2010 Mar;27(3):294-301.
PMID: 20037922