Agoraphobia

A disorder that is marked by fear of being alone in open spaces or public places from which escape might be difficult or help not available in case of sudden incapacitation. Normal activities are increasingly constricted as the fears or avoidance of open spaces dominate the individual's life. The initial stage of the disorder often consists of recurrent panic attacks. The individual develops an anticipatory fear of having such attacks and becomes reluctant or refuses to enter into situations that are associated with the attacks.