Panic disorder with agoraphobia - Overview

Definition of Panic disorder with agoraphobia:

Panic disorder with agoraphobia is an anxiety disorder in which there are repeated attacks of intense fear and anxiety, and a fear of being in places where escape might be difficult, or where help might not be available in case of a panic attack.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

The exact cause of panic disorder is unknown, but it has to do with many different factors. Panic disorder can occur with or without agoraphobia, but agoraphobia develops in more than a third of cases.

Agoraphobia may be a learned behavior, because it involves a fear of having panic attacks in unprotected settings. Sometimes, panic attacks occur in areas where they have happened in the past.

Panic disorder can occur in children, but it usually starts at around age 25. It can affect middle-aged and older adults as well. Studies have shown that women are 2 to 3 times more likely than men to be affected.