Agoraphobia is a persistent fear of being trapped in public situations or places with no way to escape easily and no one to help.
Agoraphobia may develop in adolescents, particularly those who have panic attacks, but is uncommon in children.
(See also Overview of Anxiety Disorders in Children and Adolescents and Agoraphobia in adults.)
Symptoms
Adolescents experience intense fear or anxiety during or before activities such as
Adolescents may have panic attacks when they try to do the distressing activity. They may then avoid that activity.
Diagnosis
Treatment
Behavioral therapy is especially useful for agoraphobia symptoms.
Drugs rarely help adolescents with agoraphobia, except to help control panic attacks.
