Know if You Are Agoraphobic

Approximately 5% of the U.S. population suffers from a phobia called agoraphobia, which in Greek translates to "fear of the marketplace". It is twice as prevalent in women than in men, and is marked by an intense anxiety experienced upon encounters in public, social, or unfamiliar settings. Keep reading to learn whether or not you may be agoraphobic.

Steps

 * 1)  You may be agoraphobic if thinking about large crowds of people create signs of anxiety; sweaty palms, excessive worrying, and racing thoughts and heartbeat.
 * 2)  If you have agoraphobia, when in social situations you may start to feel the beginnings of a panic attack. Even if you don't actually experience a panic attack, fear of having a attack in a social situation can also be a telltale symptom of agoraphobia.
 * 3)  Do you avoid social situations like the plague? Does the thought of walking into a crowded room full of people you don't know make your heart race and your stomach ill? Do you worry that while you are in public you may do something wildly embarrassing to yourself, even though you don't have a concept of what that might be? Do you miss out on fun social events for fear of panic attacks? All of these thoughts are typical of someone who suffers from agoraphobia.
 * 4)  Agoraphobics often have a difficult time doing things independently, without a friend or partner by their sides. If the thought of going to the grocery store for a gallon of milk makes you feel anxious, you may suffer from agoraphobia.
 * 5)  Signs of agoraphobia typically begin during one's early 20s, and it is more common in women than men. They also typically accompany a panic or anxiety disorder, of which there are numerous physical symptoms. Those include -
 * 6) * Abdominal distress
 * 7) * Chest pain
 * 8) * Dizziness
 * 9) * Trembling or twitching
 * 10) * Lightheadedness
 * 11) * Nausea and vomiting
 * 12) * Numbness and tingling
 * 13) * Skin flushing
 * 14) * Pupils dilating

Warnings

 * This is only a symptoms list for agoraphobia. See a mental health professional if you think you may suffer from the anxiety disorder.

Sources and Citations

 * eHow - http://www.ehow.com/how_5064708_agoraphobia.html
 * Buzzle.com - http://www.buzzle.com/articles/agoraphobia-what-you-need-to-know.html
 * AnxietyUK - http://www.anxietyuk.org.uk/condition_agoraphobia.php