Common Causes And Risk Factors For Agoraphobia

Stressful Events

Stressful events and trauma can often contribute to the development of agoraphobia. Sometimes the situations individuals are afraid of will relate to a trauma or stressful experience they had. In addition, prolonged and chronic stress is more likely to result in mental illness. Many patients report they developed agoraphobia after experiencing a life situation in which they felt helpless. For some, this occurred when they had a panic attack in public. Others might have experienced traumatic events like a car crash or a shooting. If they aren't processing their feelings about the trauma, their body and mind may try to avoid any situation that might cause a repeat of the situation. Loss and grief can also contribute to the development of agoraphobia, particularly if individuals feel as though their emotions and lives are outside their control. Some patients develop agoraphobia after experiencing ongoing trauma and stress from living in an abusive environment. Treating the underlying cause of the trauma response is integral to treating the agoraphobia in these cases.

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