Minor physical sensations may be interpreted as the prelude to some catastrophic threat to life. Agoraphobics may abuse alcohol in an effort to keep the anticipatory anxiety in check. Their pattern of abuse appears to be different from the binging characteristic of alcoholism, however. The agoraphobic usually takes small amounts of alcohol, avoiding loss of control. Other drugs may also be abused.
Agoraphobia typically begins during the late teens or twenties.
Women are affected two to four times as often as men. The condition tends to run in families. Recent surveys have found that many people are afraid to leave their homes. Most likely they are not all suffering from agoraphobia. Some people may stay confined because of depression, fear of street crime, or other reasons.