Agoraphobia is being afraid to go outside alone. Many people with agoraphobia also have panic disorder. Panic disorder is characterized by sudden and unexpected sense of terror associated with rapid pulses, nausea, and shallow breathing. Although panic attacks appear to come out of the blue, they may be triggered by an unconscious fear. Obsessive-compulsive disorder involves having repeated unwanted thoughts or compulsive behaviors.
Common obsessions involve contamination or continually wondering what and absent loved one is doing.
Examples of compulsions include repetitive cleaning, checking, or counting. Problems in childhood and traumatic early experiences or biochemical abnormalities are possible causes. Postraumatic stress disorder can affect anyone who has survived a severe physical and mental trauma. Some victims find themselves reexperiencing the traumatic events through nightmares or flashbacks. Others may numb themselves emotionally or startle easily and be plagues by anxiety, guilt and difficulty concentrating.