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Agoraphobia Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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agoraphobia

[หŒรฆษกษ™rษ™หˆfoสŠbiษ™ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

mental health

Agoraphobia is an anxiety disorder characterized by an intense fear of being in situations where escape might be difficult or help unavailable in the event of a panic attack. This fear usually leads to avoidance of open spaces, public places, or situations such as being alone outside oneโ€™s home. Individuals with agoraphobia may start to feel anxious or panicked just thinking about leaving the house or being in crowded areas. As the condition worsens, it can significantly impact the personโ€™s daily life, leading to isolation and a reduced quality of life.

Synonyms

fear of open spaces, panic disorder, social anxiety.

Examples of usage

  • She refused to leave the house due to her agoraphobia.
  • Therapy can be effective for treating agoraphobia.
  • His agoraphobia prevented him from attending social gatherings.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Agoraphobia can be linked to panic disorder, where individuals fear experiencing panic attacks in public.
  • It affects around 1-2% of the general population, with women more likely to be diagnosed than men.
  • The condition often leads to individuals avoiding leaving home, significantly impacting daily life and social interactions.

Treatment Approaches

  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a common and effective treatment method for overcoming these fears.
  • Exposure therapy, which gradually exposes individuals to feared situations, has shown success in treatment.
  • Medication, such as antidepressants or anti-anxiety drugs, may also help manage symptoms.

Cultural Representation

  • Agoraphobia has appeared in various films and books, often illustrating the struggle with mental health.
  • Popular culture sometimes depicts characters with agoraphobia as reclusive or troubled, emphasizing the isolation it can bring.

Historical Perspective

  • Classical literature includes references to similar fears, though the specific term 'agoraphobia' was not coined until the late 19th century.
  • In the past, individuals with this condition were often misunderstood and seen as simply shy or introverted.

Origin of 'agoraphobia'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Greek 'agora,' meaning a public open space, combined with 'phobia,' meaning fear.
  • Originally, the term referred to a fear of going out into public space, but it can also relate to various environments.

The term 'agoraphobia' comes from the Greek word 'agora', meaning 'marketplace' or 'public space', and 'phobia', meaning 'fear'. It was first used in the late 19th century as a medical term to describe the fear of public places. The disorder became better understood in the context of anxiety disorders and panic attacks in the 20th century. Initially, it was thought to be a fear of open spaces, but research has shown that it is more accurately related to the fear of being in situations where one feels trapped or unable to escape. Over the years, recognition of agoraphobia has grown, leading to more effective treatment options and a broader awareness of anxiety-related conditions.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #30,846 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.