Agoraphobia is a type of anxiety disorder characterized by an intense fear of situations or places where escape may be difficult or embarrassing, or where help may not be readily available. People with agoraphobia often avoid situations like crowded places, public transportation, open spaces, or any location they associate with previous panic attacks.

Symptoms include panic attacks, avoidance of situations and dependency on people or things. There is no known cause of agoraphobia but it can develop following a traumatic event or panic attack.