The symptoms of agoraphobia can be broadly classified into three types:

• physical,
• psychological, and
• behavioural.

Physical symptoms

The physical symptoms of agoraphobia usually only occur when you find yourself in a situation, or an environment, that causes you anxiety. However, many people with agoraphobia will rarely experience any physical symptoms because they deliberately avoid any circumstances that make them anxious.

Physical symptoms of agoraphobia may include:

• rapid heart beat,
• rapid breathing (hyperventilating),
• feeling hot and sweaty,
• nausea,
• trembling,
• dizziness,
• ringing in your ears, and
• feeling faint.

Psychological symptoms

The psychological symptoms of agoraphobia are feelings, or thoughts, that are often, although not always, related to the physical symptoms.

Psychological symptoms may include:

• fear that a panic attack will make you look stupid, or embarrassed, in front of other people,
• fear that a panic attack will be life-threatening - for example, you could be worried that your heart will stop, or that you will be unable to breathe, or
• fear that you are losing your sanity.

There are also symptoms of agoraphobia that are not necessarily related to panic attacks. They include:

• a feeling of low self-esteem,
• a feeling that you would be unable to function, or even survive, without the help of others,
• a fear of being left alone in your house,
• a general feeling of anxiety, or dread, and
• depression.

Behavioural symptoms

There are four main types of behaviour associated with agoraphobia. These are outlined below.

Avoidance

Avoidance is a pattern of behaviour where people avoid any environments and circumstances that make them anxious. The pattern of avoidance can range from mild to extreme. Some people's avoidance will be limited to being unable to travel on a crowded bus, or tube, whereas others may be unable to leave the house.

Reassurance

Reassurance involves a pattern of behaviour where people require reassurance in certain circumstances. It can range from being unable to go to the supermarket without a friend, to being unable to spend anytime alone.

Safety behaviour

Safety behaviour is a reliance on a certain substances, or objects, in order to get through a stressful situation. For example, some people with agoraphobia are unable to leave the house unless they take their anti-anxiety medication with them, and some people may need to drink alcohol before they can tolerate crowded places.

Escape

Escape occurs when a stressful situation, or environment, becomes too much. A person displaying this behaviour will have to immediately leave and return to a safe place, such as their house.