Agoraphobia
https://www.instagram.com/p/C7rqYOxgrAl/?igsh=MWNjbHB2YnF4Z3kyZg==
The diagnostic criteria for Agoraphobia are outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), published by the American Psychiatric Association. The criteria are as follows:
A.
Marked fear or anxiety about two (or more) of the following five situations:
Using public transportation (e.g., cars, buses, trains, ships, planes).
Being in open spaces (e.g., parking lots, marketplaces, bridges).
Being in enclosed places (e.g., shops, theaters, cinemas).
Standing in line or being in a crowd.
Being outside of the home alone.
B.
The individual fears or avoids these situations due to thoughts that escape might be difficult or help might not be available in the event of panic-like symptoms or other incapacitating or embarrassing symptoms.
C. The agoraphobic situations almost always provoke fear or anxiety.
D. The agoraphobic situations are actively avoided, require the presence of a companion, or are endured with intense fear or anxiety.
E. The fear or anxiety is out of proportion to the actual danger posed by the agoraphobic situations and to the sociocultural context.
F. The fear, anxiety, or avoidance is persistent, typically lasting for 6 months or more.
G. The fear, anxiety, or avoidance causes clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.
H. The disturbance is not attributable to another medical condition/ If another medical condition (e.g., inflammatory bowel disease, Parkinson's disease) is present, the fear, anxiety, or avoidance is clearly excessive.
I. The disturbance is not better explained by another mental disorder.
Agoraphobia can occur with or without panic disorder. If it co-occurs with panic disorder, both diagnoses may be given.
It's important to have a thorough evaluation by a qualified mental health professional to accurately diagnose and differentiate Agoraphobia from other possible conditions.
Reference:
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). *Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders* (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing.
