Agoraphobia - Causes of agoraphobia

The exact cause of agoraphobia is unknown. However, researchers believe that the condition may be related to one or more of the following:

• psychological factors
• genes
• panic disorder
• spatial awareness problems (an inability to comprehend how the body is positioned in relation to other objects within a certain space)

Genes

A number of studies have been carried out that suggest that certain genetic mutations may increase a person s likelihood of developing panic disorders, such as agoraphobia. A genetic mutation occurs when the normal instructions that are carried in certain genes become scrambled (mixed up).

A number of specific genetic mutations have been linked to panic disorders, such as a mutation in a type of cell called a lymphoblast. Panic disorders are also known to run in families. However, exactly how these genetic mutations contribute to panic disorders is uncertain and further studies are needed to investigate the relationship between genes and anxiety disorders.

Psychological factors

Psychological factors that may trigger agoraphobia include:

• A traumatic childhood experience, such as the death of a parent.
• Eexperiencing a stressful event, such as bereavement or job loss.
• A previous history of mental illnesses, such as depression, anorexia or bulimia.
• A previous history of drug or alcohol misuse.
• Being in an unhappy relationship, or in a relationship where the partner is very controlling. 

However, for some cases of agoraphobia there are no obvious contributory psychological factors.

Panic disorder

Some experts believe that agoraphobia may be a complication of panic disorder (an anxiety disorder that involves panic attacks and moments of intense fear).

Agoraphobia may develop as a result of associating panic attacks with certain places or situations where the attacks occurred, and then avoiding those places or situations.

When someone develops panic disorder, agoraphobia often develops within the first year. However, agoraphobia can sometimes occur without panic disorder. 

Spatial awareness

A number of links have been found between agoraphobia and spatial awareness. Some people with agoraphobia have a weakened system of balance and space, which causes an imbalance and a need to rely heavily on visual signals. This can result in someone with agoraphobia feeling overwhelmed and disorientated in crowded places.