Do I Have Agoraphobia? DSM-5 Self-Assessment, Criteria Checklist, and When to Seek Help

GO TO THE ER NOW

If you are reading this with any of the following, call 911 (US) or 999 (UK) or 112 (EU) immediately. Do not wait:

Chest pain that is heavy, crushing, or radiating to your arm, jaw, or back
Severe shortness of breath at rest
Fainting or feeling like you will faint
Slurred speech, confusion, or difficulty speaking
First-ever episode of these symptoms (cannot assume it is agoraphobia-related panic without medical evaluation)

This guidance follows Mayo Clinic and American Heart Association protocols. Agoraphobia often co-occurs with panic attacks, and severe panic can mimic cardiac emergencies. A chest pain ER visit is the correct call, even if it turns out to be agoraphobia. See PAG row 17 for full panic attack vs heart attack guidance.

CRITICAL DISCLAIMER: SELF-ASSESSMENT IS NOT DIAGNOSIS

This article is educational information about agoraphobia. It provides a self-check framework based on DSM-5 criteria to raise awareness, not to diagnose. Only a licensed mental health professional (psychiatrist, psychologist, licensed therapist, or primary care physician) can diagnose agoraphobia. If your answers to the self-check questions below suggest you may have agoraphobia, seek professional evaluation. Do not rely on this self-assessment to make treatment decisions. Never start or stop any medication or therapy without professional guidance. If you are in crisis, call 988 (US suicide and crisis lifeline) or go to an emergency department.

Direct Answer: What Is Agoraphobia, and How Do You Know If You Have It?

Agoraphobia is defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, 5th Edition (DSM-5, code 300.22) as marked fear or anxiety triggered by actual or anticipated exposure to two or more of the following situations: public transportation (buses, trains, planes, cars), open spaces (parking lots, bridges, open fields), enclosed spaces (shops, theaters, elevators), standing in line or being in a crowd, or being outside the home alone. The person fears or avoids these situations because escape might be difficult or embarrassing, or because help might not be available if panic-like or other incapacitating or embarrassing symptoms develop. The fear or avoidance is almost always provoked by the situations, is out of proportion to the actual danger or social scrutiny involved, and persists for at least six months. The fear causes significant distress or functional impairment in work, social, education, or other important areas of functioning. The symptoms are not better explained by another mental disorder, medical condition, or medication. Self-check questions below can help you assess whether you meet these criteria. Only a qualified clinician can confirm.

DSM-5 Agoraphobia Criteria Broken Into Self-Check Questions

The following questions mirror DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for agoraphobia. Answer yes or no to each. If you answer yes to most or all, particularly in combination, discussion with a mental health professional is warranted.

Criterion A: Fear in Two or More Situations

Do you experience marked fear or anxiety triggered by actual or anticipated exposure to two or more of the following situations?

[ ] Public transportation: riding buses, trains, subways, planes, or being a passenger in a car
[ ] Open spaces: parking lots, bridges, open fields, or any expanse without clear landmarks
[ ] Enclosed spaces: shops, theaters, cinemas, elevators, or any confined area where escape feels blocked
[ ] Standing in line or being in a crowd: grocery stores, banks, concerts, crowded events, or waiting in queues
[ ] Being outside the home alone: running errands alone, driving alone, walking down the street alone, or any activity outside the home unaccompanied

If you checked two or more, you meet Criterion A. Proceed to the next questions.

Criterion B: Avoidance Motivated by Fear of Panic or Incapacitation

Do you fear or avoid these situations because:

[ ] Escape might be difficult?
[ ] You worry that if panic-like or other embarrassing or incapacitating symptoms develop, help might not be available?
[ ] You anticipate that you will experience symptoms like panic, intense anxiety, fainting, loss of bladder or bowel control, or other incapacitating fear responses in these situations?

If you answered yes to at least one, you meet Criterion B.

Criterion C: Fear Is Almost Always Provoked

When you encounter (or anticipate) these feared situations, does fear or anxiety almost always occur? (Not just occasionally, but consistently?)

[ ] Yes, nearly every time I am in or anticipate these situations
[ ] No, only sometimes

If yes, you meet Criterion C.

Criterion D: Active Avoidance or Intense Distress

Regarding the feared situations, do you:

[ ] Actively avoid them (do not go to these places at all)?
[ ] Require a companion or support person to enter them (cannot go alone)?
[ ] Endure them with intense fear or anxiety (white-knuckling through)?

If you checked one or more, you meet Criterion D.

Criterion E: Fear Is Out of Proportion

Is your fear of these situations greater than the actual danger they pose? For example:

[ ] Do you fear you will have a panic attack and collapse in a store, even though you have never collapsed?
[ ] Do you fear you will faint in an elevator, even though fainting from panic is extremely rare?
[ ] Do you fear you will lose control or "go crazy" in a crowd, even though panic does not cause loss of reality or control?

If you answered yes to one or more, your fear is likely out of proportion. You meet Criterion E.

Criterion F: Duration: 6 Months or Longer

How long have you experienced this fear and avoidance?

[ ] 6 months or longer
[ ] Less than 6 months

If 6 months or longer, you meet Criterion F.

Criterion G: Significant Distress or Functional Impairment

Does your fear or avoidance cause significant distress or impairment in your:

[ ] Work or school functioning?
[ ] Social life or relationships?
[ ] Ability to do daily tasks (grocery shopping, banking, medical appointments, exercise)?
[ ] Overall quality of life or independence?

If you checked one or more, you meet Criterion G.

Criterion H: Not Better Explained by Another Disorder

Are your symptoms NOT primarily due to:

[ ] Specific phobia (fear of one single thing, like flying or elevators, rather than multiple fear-avoidance situations)?
[ ] Social anxiety disorder (fear of judgment or embarrassment from others, rather than fear of being trapped)?
[ ] Panic disorder without agoraphobia (panic attacks without the place-avoidance pattern)?
[ ] Obsessive-compulsive disorder (intrusive thoughts and compulsive rituals, not fear of places)?
[ ] Post-traumatic stress disorder (avoidance of trauma reminders, not fear of being trapped)?
[ ] Generalized anxiety disorder alone (worry about multiple topics, not fear of specific situations)?
[ ] Body dysmorphic disorder (preoccupation with appearance, not fear of places)?
[ ] A medical condition (like cardiac arrhythmia, thyroid disorder, vestibular dysfunction, migraine)?
[ ] Medication or substance use?

If you answered yes (your symptoms are NOT explained by these), you meet Criterion H.

Summary: What Your Self-Check Results Mean

Yes to all or most of Criteria A through H: Your symptom pattern is consistent with agoraphobia per DSM-5. Professional evaluation is strongly recommended. Schedule an appointment with your primary care doctor, psychiatrist, psychologist, or licensed therapist.

Yes to some criteria but not all: You may have a milder form of agoraphobia, partial agoraphobia, or another related anxiety disorder (like social anxiety or specific phobia). Professional evaluation will clarify.

No to most criteria: Your symptoms may not meet agoraphobia criteria, but you may still benefit from mental health support. Discuss anxiety or avoidance concerns with a clinician.

Remember: This checklist raises awareness but does not replace clinical judgment. A licensed professional will interview you, rule out medical causes, assess severity, and differentiate agoraphobia from other conditions.

Common Patterns That Suggest Agoraphobia

If you answered yes to the self-check questions, you may also recognize these real-world avoidance patterns:

Driving and Transportation:

You do not drive on highways, especially alone or to unfamiliar places
You avoid driving after dark or in heavy traffic
You do not drive to work; you carpool or take public transit with a trusted person
You have a car but rarely use it beyond a narrow, familiar radius
You avoid being the driver in unfamiliar areas; you must be a passenger with someone you trust

Public Spaces and Crowds:

You do not go to malls, grocery stores, cinemas, or restaurants during busy hours
You avoid concerts, sports events, crowded outdoor gatherings, or busy public places
You plan routes to avoid crowds (e.g., shopping very early or very late)
When you do attend a crowded event, you sit near an exit or stand where you can leave if needed
You avoid lines (at banks, post offices, checkout counters) and instead conduct business online

Flying and Travel:

You do not fly; if you must, you require a companion, early boarding, an aisle seat, or sedation
You avoid long car trips, especially alone or on highways
You do not travel for vacation or to visit family due to anxiety about being in unfamiliar places
You choose destinations close to home or refuse out-of-state travel entirely

Solitude and Leaving Home:

You do not go anywhere alone; you need a companion (spouse, friend, parent) for any outing
You feel panic or extreme anxiety when your trusted companion is not available
You call in sick to work or cancel appointments if you cannot find someone to accompany you
You have a "safe radius," a distance from home you will not exceed, especially alone
You rarely or never leave home unaccompanied, even for short errands

Work and Social Life:

You have refused job opportunities, promotions, or transfers because they require commuting, travel, or in-person work
You work from home or have negotiated remote arrangements specifically to avoid commute anxiety
You have called in sick to avoid driving to work or attending in-person meetings
You decline social invitations (dinners, parties, events) because of avoidance of crowds or travel
Your social life is severely limited to activities that do not require leaving home or public spaces

Conditional Avoidance:

You will do something (drive, shop, attend an event) only if specific conditions are met: your partner is with you, your phone is charged, a bathroom is nearby, you can leave at any time, or your medication is with you
You carry an excessive "safety kit": medications, water, snacks, phone chargers, wipes, or reassurance items
You require reassurance before entering feared situations ("Will you stay with me?" "Will you drive if I panic?")

If several of these patterns fit your life, agoraphobia is a strong possibility.

Self-Check vs. Clinical Evaluation: Why a Clinician Is Essential

A self-check tool like the above raises awareness. A clinical evaluation does much more.

What a Clinician Will Do

Diagnostic Interview: A mental health professional will conduct a detailed interview covering:

The onset and development of your fear (when did it start, how did it progress)
The specific situations you fear and avoid
How much you avoid (never go, rarely go, go with difficulty, go with a companion)
How long symptoms have been present
Past panic attacks or other anxiety episodes
Medical history and any physical health conditions
Current medications, including over-the-counter and herbal
Family history of anxiety, panic, or agoraphobia
Impact on your work, relationships, daily functioning, and quality of life

Differential Diagnosis: The clinician will rule out other conditions that mimic agoraphobia:

Specific phobia (intense fear of one specific trigger, like elevators or flying, rather than multiple situations)
Social anxiety disorder (fear of judgment or embarrassment, not fear of being trapped)
Panic disorder without agoraphobia (recurrent panic attacks but no place-avoidance pattern; you panic anywhere, not just in feared situations)
Generalized anxiety disorder (worry about many topics, not focused on specific situations)
PTSD (avoidance of trauma reminders, often after a specific traumatic event)
Medical conditions (hyperthyroidism, cardiac arrhythmia, vestibular disorder, migraine, seizure disorder) that mimic panic
Substance-induced anxiety (caffeine, stimulant drugs, or withdrawal from alcohol or benzodiazepines)
Major depressive disorder (reduced motivation or social withdrawal, not active avoidance driven by fear)

Assessment Tools: Your clinician may use validated questionnaires to quantify severity:

Mobility Inventory for Agoraphobia (MI): Rates avoidance and distress across situations on a scale. Standard for assessing agoraphobia severity.
Panic and Agoraphobia Scale (PAS): Measures panic frequency, agoraphobic avoidance, and anticipatory anxiety.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7): Assesses general anxiety.
Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9): Screens for depression.
Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A): Clinician-rated assessment of anxiety.

Medical Workup: Your doctor may recommend:

Thyroid function tests (TSH, free T4)
Electrocardiogram (ECG) if cardiac symptoms are present
Holter monitor or event recorder if palpitations are present
Blood pressure monitoring
Fasting blood glucose (diabetes can cause panic-like symptoms)
Vitamin B12 and folate (deficiency can cause anxiety)

This workup rules out medical mimics before attributing symptoms to agoraphobia.

Differential Diagnosis: When You Might Think You Have Agoraphobia But It Is Something Else

Specific Phobia vs. Agoraphobia

Specific phobia: You have intense, disproportionate fear of one specific object or situation: heights, flying, dogs, blood, needles, or enclosed spaces (claustrophobia). You avoid that trigger but function normally in other contexts. You can drive, shop, or leave home; you just avoid that one thing.

Agoraphobia: You fear multiple situations united by the theme of being trapped or escape being difficult. You fear public transit AND crowds AND open spaces AND being home alone. Your avoidance is broader and more complex.

If you fear only flying or only elevators, specific phobia is more likely. If you fear clusters of situations, agoraphobia fits better.

Social Anxiety Disorder vs. Agoraphobia

Social anxiety disorder: You fear situations where you may be watched, judged, or embarrassed by others. You avoid parties, public speaking, eating in public, or using bathrooms in public. The core fear is "What will people think of me?" You are comfortable alone or in the company of trusted people.

Agoraphobia: You fear situations where escape is difficult or help might not be available if panic strikes. You may avoid parties because of the crowd, not because of judgment. You fear the place or situation itself, not others' opinions.

In practice, these can overlap. But the root fear differs: agoraphobia = entrapment; social anxiety = judgment.

Panic Disorder Without Agoraphobia vs. Agoraphobia

Panic disorder without agoraphobia: You have recurrent, unexpected panic attacks. You worry about future attacks. But you do not avoid specific places. You panic at work, at home, in the car, anywhere. Panic is not tied to situations.

Agoraphobia: You fear and avoid specific situations because you anticipate panic or symptoms in those places. You may not panic everywhere; you panic in feared situations (crowds, transit, being alone).

Someone can have panic disorder, panic disorder with agoraphobia, or agoraphobia without panic attacks (rarely, but possible; pure agoraphobia is uncommon).

Generalized Anxiety Disorder vs. Agoraphobia

Generalized anxiety disorder: You worry excessively about many things: health, finances, relationships, work, family, safety. Worry is pervasive and not tied to specific situations. You do not necessarily avoid places; you worry everywhere.

Agoraphobia: You fear specific situations and actively avoid them. Your worry is focused on those situations and what might happen there (panic, being trapped).

GAD = worry; agoraphobia = fear + avoidance of places.

Depression with Social Withdrawal vs. Agoraphobia

Major depression with social withdrawal: You feel sad, hopeless, unmotivated. You withdraw from activities, socializing, and leaving home not because of fear but because of low motivation and lack of interest (anhedonia). You stay home because you "do not feel like going," not because you fear the situation.

Agoraphobia: You actively want to do things (go to work, socialize, run errands) but fear prevents you. The motivation is there; the fear blocks you. You avoid despite wanting to participate.

The emotional tone differs: depression = emptiness; agoraphobia = active fear.

Severity Spectrum: From Mild to Severe

Agoraphobia exists on a spectrum. Where you fall influences urgency and treatment intensity.

Mild Agoraphobia

You avoid some situations or types of situations but maintain most functioning. Examples:

You do not like crowds and avoid peak-hour shopping, but you shop on quieter days
You prefer not to drive on highways, so you take local roads; it adds time but you manage
You prefer having a companion for some outings but can go alone if necessary
You have reduced your social life somewhat but maintain key relationships and activities
You work but have requested remote-work options to reduce commute anxiety
Avoidance causes some inconvenience but not severe impairment

Treatment outlook: Excellent. Mild agoraphobia responds very well to cognitive behavioral therapy, often with rapid improvement. Medication may help but is not always necessary.

Moderate Agoraphobia

You have substantial avoidance that restricts your life. Examples:

You do not drive on highways and avoid unfamiliar routes; you take longer, familiar routes or have others drive you
You do not go to stores, restaurants, or crowded places alone; you require a companion
You have a limited "safe radius" from home (e.g., you will not go more than 5 miles from home)
You have made major life decisions around avoidance: chosen a job close to home, live near work, or requested full remote work
You have declined promotions, moved closer to family, or limited career opportunities to manage avoidance
You attend some social events but with visible anxiety and discomfort; you leave early or require a companion
Your relationships are affected; your partner or family member accommodates your avoidance

Treatment outlook: Good. Moderate agoraphobia responds well to structured CBT with exposure, sometimes combined with medication. Treatment requires commitment and willingness to face fears gradually.

Severe Agoraphobia (Housebound)

You avoid most or all situations and have become largely or completely housebound. Examples:

You do not leave home alone; you do not leave at all without a trusted person
You do not drive anywhere or you drive only to work with great difficulty
You do not use public transportation
You cannot attend work in person; you have taken disability, remote work, or quit entirely
You do not go to medical appointments, dental visits, or therapy sessions in person; you use telehealth or have family members attend
You do not shop, run errands, or participate in social activities
You have not left your home alone in months or years
Your entire life is confined to home; your partner, family, or friends bring you what you need
You experience severe anticipatory anxiety even at the thought of leaving home

Treatment outlook: Challenging but not hopeless. Severe agoraphobia requires intensive, specialized treatment, often combining therapy, medication, and sometimes hospitalization for severely acute cases. Recovery is possible, but it requires professional help and time. Telehealth therapy and home-based exposure are options. Some individuals benefit from intensive residential treatment programs (panic and agoraphobia specialty clinics). The recovery trajectory is longer, but evidence-based treatment works even for severe cases.

Key point: Agoraphobia is treatable at all levels. Recovery is very possible. Seeking help early, before severe avoidance develops, is ideal but not required. Even people who have been housebound for years have recovered with evidence-based treatment.

What to Do If Your Self-Check Suggests Agoraphobia

If you have answered yes to most of the criteria above and recognize real-world avoidance patterns, take these steps:

Step 1: Medical Evaluation (Rule Out Medical Mimics)

Schedule an appointment with your primary care doctor. Bring a list of your symptoms and concerns. Your doctor should:

Take a complete medical history
Check your vital signs
Order blood work (thyroid function, vitamin B12, glucose, and potentially others)
Perform an electrocardiogram if heart symptoms are present
Discuss any medications you take, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements

This workup rules out medical conditions (hyperthyroidism, cardiac arrhythmia, vitamin deficiency, medication side effects) that mimic panic and agoraphobia.

Step 2: Mental Health Referral and Professional Diagnosis

Ask your primary care doctor for a referral to a mental health professional specializing in panic disorder and agoraphobia. Options include:

Psychiatrist (can prescribe medication)
Psychologist (licensed clinical psychologist, Ph.D. or Psy.D., can diagnose and provide therapy)
Licensed professional counselor (LPC) or licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) with panic/agoraphobia training
Clinical social worker (LCSW) with anxiety disorder specialization

How to find a specialist:

Ask your doctor for a referral or use their patient portal to request one
Call your insurance company for in-network therapists specializing in anxiety or panic disorder
Search Psychology Today directory (psychologytoday.com), filtered by location and specialization (anxiety disorders, panic disorder)
Use ADAA directory (adaa.org) of anxiety disorder specialists
If cost is a barrier, inquire about sliding-scale clinics or community mental health centers

Step 3: Ask Specifically About Evidence-Based Treatments

During your first appointment, ask your clinician about:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Panic (CBT-Panic):

Is this clinician trained in CBT-Panic or panic-specific CBT?
Do they use structured protocols (like the Craske panic protocol or similar)?
How often would sessions occur (typically 1 to 2 per week)?
How long is treatment expected to last (typically 12 to 20 sessions)?
Do they conduct in-vivo exposure (real-life exposure in feared situations)?

Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP):

Will therapy include graded exposure to feared situations?
Will the clinician accompany you on exposures (therapist-assisted) or guide you to do them independently (self-directed)?
For severe agoraphobia, is intensive exposure available (e.g., weekly or twice-weekly sessions with in-session or homework exposures)?

Medication:

Does the clinician think an SSRI or SNRI would help your specific symptoms?
If yes, which one and why (sertraline, paroxetine, venlafaxine, and others are approved for panic disorder)?
What are the expected timeline to effect (often 4 to 6 weeks to see improvement) and side effects?
How long would you take the medication (typically at least 12 months; many stay on longer)?

Step 4: Start a Symptom or Panic Diary

Before and during treatment, track:

Date and time of panic attacks or severe anxiety
Situation or trigger (where you were, what you were doing)
Intensity (0-10 scale)
Physical symptoms (heart rate, breathing, dizziness, etc.)
Thoughts during the episode
How long it lasted
What you did (avoidance, escape, stayed and it passed, etc.)
Any patterns you notice

This diary helps your clinician tailor treatment and shows you progress over time. Many people are surprised to see that panic duration shortens and frequency decreases with treatment.

Step 5: Attend Sessions Consistently and Engage in Exposure Homework

CBT for agoraphobia works through practice. Expect:

Regular therapy sessions (weekly or biweekly)
Homework assignments between sessions, usually including exposure exercises
Gradual confrontation of feared situations
Temporary increase in discomfort as you begin exposure (this is normal and expected; it gets easier)

Consistency is key. People who attend sessions, do exposure homework, and stick with treatment see the best outcomes. Recovery typically takes 3 to 6 months of consistent effort, but improvement begins within weeks for many people.

When You Might Think You Have Agoraphobia But It Is Something Else: Other Causes of Avoidance

Not all avoidance is agoraphobia. Consider these alternatives:

Normal Anxiety in Response to Recent Illness or Stress

Scenario: You had a panic attack while driving on the highway. Now you avoid highway driving for a few weeks.

Why it might not be agoraphobia: The avoidance is recent and triggered by a specific incident. Over weeks or a month, as you recover from the incident and your confidence returns, you resume driving.

Agoraphobia differs: Avoidance persists and generalizes over months to years. It is not a temporary fear response to one incident.

Post-COVID Functional Anxiety (Not Agoraphobia)

Scenario: You had COVID and experienced shortness of breath, fatigue, and anxiety about symptoms. Now you avoid activities that trigger these physical sensations, even though COVID has passed.

Why it might not be agoraphobia: The avoidance is rooted in lingering physical symptoms and health anxiety, not fear of being trapped or panic. As physical recovery occurs, avoidance naturally decreases.

Agoraphobia differs: Avoidance is not tied to a specific illness; it generalizes to multiple situations united by fear of panic or being trapped, not by a medical trigger.

Depression with Reduced Motivation (Not Agoraphobia)

Scenario: You have been depressed for months. You do not go out, do not answer calls, do not engage in activities. But you do not fear the outside world; you simply do not feel like going.

Why it might not be agoraphobia: The avoidance is due to lack of motivation and pleasure (anhedonia), not active fear or panic. You would go if you felt motivated.

Agoraphobia differs: You want to go (motivation is present) but fear prevents you. The avoidance is driven by fear, not apathy.

Introversion or Preference for Solitude (Not Agoraphobia)

Scenario: You are introverted and prefer quieter activities and smaller groups. You do not enjoy large crowds, so you avoid concerts and parties. But you work, shop, drive, and function independently without difficulty.

Why it might not be agoraphobia: Your avoidance is selective and based on preference, not fear. You can function in crowds if necessary; you choose not to.

Agoraphobia differs: You avoid situations due to fear and loss of control, not preference. Avoidance interferes with work, social life, or independence.

Medical Condition Mimicking Avoidance (Not Agoraphobia)

Scenario: You have inner ear (vestibular) dysfunction, which causes dizziness. You avoid situations that trigger dizziness: crowded places with visual stimulation, driving, or public transit. You fear falling or passing out.

Why it might not be agoraphobia: The avoidance is directly tied to a physical condition causing real symptoms, not fear of panic in situations.

Agoraphobia differs: The fear is of panic or incapacitation, not of a specific medical condition. Medical workup would be normal (aside from the vestibular dysfunction).

Reassurance: Agoraphobia Is Highly Treatable

If your self-check suggests agoraphobia, the most important thing to know is this: Agoraphobia is one of the most treatable anxiety disorders. Recovery is very possible.

Evidence for Treatment Success

According to the American Psychological Association Practice Guideline for Panic Disorder, cognitive behavioral therapy with exposure produces remission or significant improvement in 60 to 80 percent of people treated. Some studies report remission rates of 75 to 85 percent when therapy is conducted competently and consistently.

Why is CBT so effective for agoraphobia? It directly targets the mechanism maintaining agoraphobia: the avoidance loop. Exposure therapy teaches your brain that feared situations are safe, a process called extinction learning. Repeated, prolonged exposure to feared situations without the catastrophic outcome you anticipate retrains your nervous system. The amygdala (your alarm system) learns: "This situation is not dangerous. Avoidance is not needed."

Medication Helps

SSRIs and SNRIs reduce panic attack frequency and anticipatory anxiety, making exposure therapy more tolerable. Many people combine medication and therapy for optimal results. Others do therapy alone. Your clinician will discuss options based on your symptoms and preferences.

Most People Get Better

People across all age groups, severity levels, and backgrounds recover from agoraphobia. You can regain the ability to:

Leave home alone
Drive or use public transit
Shop, run errands, and attend appointments
Work in person
Socialize and attend events
Travel
Live independently

Recovery is real. It requires professional help and effort, but it happens every day.

Crisis Support and Next Steps

If you are in distress or having suicidal thoughts related to agoraphobia or another condition:

Call 988 (US Suicide and Crisis Lifeline): Available 24/7, free, confidential. Call or text 988.
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
Go to your nearest emergency department if you have urgent safety concerns
Call 911 (US) or your local emergency number for immediate help

If you suspect agoraphobia based on this self-assessment:

Schedule an appointment with your primary care doctor within the next week
Request a referral to a mental health professional specializing in anxiety or panic disorder
Be honest about your avoidance and its impact on your life; clinicians need this information to help
Ask about evidence-based treatments like CBT and exposure therapy
Start a symptom diary to track patterns

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I have agoraphobia versus just anxiety?

Anxiety is a normal emotion. Agoraphobia is a specific disorder. If you have occasional worry or nervousness, you likely do not have agoraphobia. If you actively avoid places and situations for months due to fear of panic or being trapped, and this impairs your life, agoraphobia is a possibility. A clinician can distinguish anxiety from agoraphobia through careful assessment.

What is the agoraphobia test?

There is no single "test" for agoraphobia. Diagnosis is based on clinical interview and assessment of DSM-5 criteria, sometimes supplemented by questionnaires like the Mobility Inventory or Panic and Agoraphobia Scale. This article provides a self-check based on DSM-5 criteria, but a licensed professional must confirm diagnosis.

Can I diagnose myself with agoraphobia?

No. Self-diagnosis is common but unreliable. You can recognize symptoms that align with agoraphobia criteria (as this self-check helps you do), but only a licensed mental health professional can diagnose. They must rule out other conditions, medical causes, and confirm the DSM-5 criteria. Seek professional evaluation for a confirmed diagnosis.

What is the difference between agoraphobia and social anxiety disorder?

Agoraphobia is fear of situations where escape is difficult or help might not be available if panic occurs. The fear is of being trapped or incapacitated. Social anxiety disorder is fear of judgment, embarrassment, or negative evaluation by others. Someone with agoraphobia might avoid parties due to the crowd; someone with social anxiety avoids parties due to fear of judgment. The core fear is different.

Do I need a history of panic attacks to have agoraphobia?

Most people with agoraphobia have experienced panic attacks, especially early in the disorder. However, agoraphobia can (rarely) occur without panic attacks. Some people develop agoraphobia following anxiety, dizziness, or other symptoms. If you avoid situations due to fear of symptoms or being trapped, agoraphobia can be considered even without clear panic attack history. A clinician will clarify.

Can my doctor test for agoraphobia?

Your primary care doctor can screen for agoraphobia by asking about avoidance and fear. They may refer you to a mental health professional for comprehensive assessment. There is no blood test or imaging test that diagnoses agoraphobia; diagnosis is based on clinical interview and symptom assessment. Your doctor should rule out medical mimics (thyroid disorder, cardiac arrhythmia, etc.) before attributing symptoms to agoraphobia.

Is the Mobility Inventory online valid for self-diagnosis?

The Mobility Inventory is a standardized, validated research tool used by clinicians to measure agoraphobia severity, but it is not a diagnostic instrument. Online versions may exist, but completing it yourself does not equal diagnosis. It can help you recognize avoidance patterns, but professional interpretation is needed. Use it as a self-awareness tool, not as diagnostic confirmation.

What should I do if I think I have agoraphobia?

Follow these steps: (1) Schedule an appointment with your primary care doctor to rule out medical causes. (2) Request a referral to a mental health professional specializing in panic disorder or anxiety. (3) In your appointment, be honest about situations you avoid and how avoidance affects your life. (4) Ask about evidence-based treatments like CBT and exposure therapy. (5) If diagnosed, follow your treatment plan consistently, including homework and exposure assignments. Recovery is very possible.

Internal Links (by PAG Row)

Tier-1 Medical and Psychological Sources Cited

DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, 5th Edition). American Psychiatric Association. Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing, 2013. (DSM-5 code 300.22 for agoraphobia)
NIMH (National Institute of Mental Health). Panic Disorder and Agoraphobia resources. Retrieved from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/
Mayo Clinic. Agoraphobia: Symptoms and causes. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/
Cleveland Clinic. Agoraphobia: Causes, treatment, and management. Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/
Harvard Health Publishing. Agoraphobia: Recognition and treatment. Retrieved from https://www.health.harvard.edu/
NHS (National Health Service). Agoraphobia: Overview, symptoms, and treatment. Retrieved from https://www.nhs.uk/
American Psychological Association (APA). APA Practice Guideline for Panic Disorder. Effective treatments for anxiety disorders. Washington, DC: APA, 2017.
ADAA (Anxiety and Depression Association of America). Agoraphobia resources and therapist directory. Retrieved from https://adaa.org/
Craske, M.G. (2009). Cognitive behavioral therapy. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association Press. (Seminal reference on extinction learning and exposure therapy for anxiety disorders)

Crisis Resources

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988 (call or text)
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
NAMI Helpline (National Alliance on Mental Illness): 1-800-950-NAMI (6264), Monday-Friday, 10 AM-10 PM ET
SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357, free, confidential, 24/7
Emergency: Call 911 (US) or your local emergency number