Common Causes And Risk Factors For Agoraphobia

Genetics

Genetics seem to play a role in the development of agoraphobia. Individuals are more likely to be diagnosed with agoraphobia if they have a blood relative who also has the condition. If they have a family history of anxiety disorders, even if it doesn't include agoraphobia, they might be at an increased risk of developing agoraphobia despite having no prior anxiety disorder history of their own. According to statistical analysis published in the DSM-5, agoraphobia has a heritability rate of sixty-one percent. Even though the disorder can be genetic, most don't develop symptoms until their late adolescence or early adulthood. They're most likely to see symptoms start between thirteen and thirty-five years old, with seventeen being the average age of onset. If patients have a prior history of anxiety disorders or panic attacks, they're more likely to develop agoraphobia later in life rather than during adolescence. This is because agoraphobia is a very specific fear of specific situations. Before developing agoraphobia symptoms, they might have other anxiety disorder symptoms instead.

Learn more about the risk factors linked to agoraphobia now.