Agoraphobia is perhaps the worst phobia that a person can have. It is the fear of being not only in a social setting, but also with people, themselves. Agoraphobic symptoms do not always have to be severe. They can be mild symptoms causing you to avoid certain people or places. The severe symptoms can be debilitating.

An agoraphobic with severe symptoms cannot function in a setting other than their home or safe setting. They often spend years without going outside. When they try, they suffer the most horrendous feelings of anxiety. Their lungs feel like they are collapsing, tightness overcomes their chests forcing them back into their home or whatever familiar surrounding makes them feel safe. Most often, an extremely traumatic event will trigger agoraphobic symptoms, often, if it is not treated, then the person will remain a recluse for years.

An overwhelming fear that the event will happen again will lead to agoraphobic symptoms and the person who is suffering will not leave their secure setting. Agoraphobic symptoms include the fear of socializing, rapid heartbeat when trying to leave their home or safe setting, tightness in their chest, and finally an overwhelming fear of death if they attempt to leave their safe setting. This usually drives the agoraphobic back into their home where they know they are safe. It is a devastating illness, however it can be cured.

Treatment for agoraphobic symptoms is different from other types of anxiety. It is not as simple as taking a pill and getting on with your life. It can take years of therapy to reduce agoraphobic symptoms to the point of stepping outside the door. The therapist must go the home of the person who is suffering from the agoraphobic symptoms and form a bond of trust with them. Only then can he or she start to make progress. For the person with agoraphobic symptoms, the world is against them and they have to do everything they can to protect themselves. This often leads to becoming a recluse. Only with the proper treatment can the person with agoraphobic symptoms start to lead a healthy normal life.