What is the source of distress for individuals suffering from agoraphobia?

Individuals suffering from agoraphobia experience distress primarily due to the fear of being in situations where they may have a panic attack or feel incapacitated and unable to escape. This often includes crowded places, public spaces, or situations that may provoke anxiety. The overarching concern is the unpredictability of panic symptoms in environments that feel overwhelming, leading to avoidance behaviors.

This type of anxiety disorder significantly affects a person's ability to engage in daily activities, as they may restrict their movements to avoid these perceived threats, leading to isolation. The focus is on the anticipation of panic attacks and the scenarios that could trigger such episodes, rather than the actual locations themselves, which makes the understanding of agoraphobia distinct from other specific phobias. Thus, the core source of distress lies in the potential for panic to occur in certain situations.