Where did the word agoraphobia originate from?
The term is derived from the Greek word agora, meaning “place of assembly,” “open space,” or “marketplace,” and from the English word phobia, meaning “fear.” Many patients with agoraphobia are uncomfortable in unfamiliar places or in crowded or open areas, such as shops, markets, restaurants, and theatres, where they …
Who coined the term agoraphobia?
“The understanding of agoraphobia has been evolving,” Dr Pollard told Psychiatry Advisor, noting that the term was originally coined in 1871 by the German neurologist Westphal, who used the Greek word “agora,” meaning market, to refer to the fear of large, open spaces.
What is the literal meaning of agoraphobia?
Definition of agoraphobia : abnormal fear of being helpless in a situation from which escape may be difficult or embarrassing that is characterized initially often by panic or anticipatory anxiety and finally by the avoidance of open or public places.
What is agora phobia?
Agoraphobia (ag-uh-ruh-FOE-be-uh) is a type of anxiety disorder in which you fear and avoid places or situations that might cause you to panic and make you feel trapped, helpless or embarrassed.
Why is agoraphobia not a specific phobia?
Specific phobia, situational type: In specific phobia, the fear centers on harm directly caused by the situation (e.g., a plane crashing); in agoraphobia, the fear centers on whether escape is possible or if help will be available in the situation.
What is Agora phobia?
How was agoraphobia discovered?
In 1872, Karl Friedrich Otto Westphal (1833-1890) described agoraphobia, the fear of wide and open places. He cited three male patients who demonstrated fear in wide streets and open spaces and who, at times, were compelled to ask passersby for help.
What is the fear of reality called?
Dementophobia is a type of phobia that involves the fear of madness or insanity. People who have this fear are afraid that they are going insane or losing touch with reality.