Agoraphobia is a type of anxiety disorder that involves an intense fear of situations or places where it may be difficult to escape or get help if you experience anxiety or a panic attack. According to the DSM-5-TR criteria, a person must experience marked fear or anxiety about at least two of the following five situations: using public transportation, being in open spaces, being in enclosed spaces, standing in line or being in a crowd, or being outside of the home alone.

For example, a person with agoraphobia may avoid taking the subway because they fear they won't be able to leave or escape if they have a panic attack. Or, they may avoid going to a movie theater because it's a crowded space where they fear they may have a panic attack and not be able to get help.

In addition to panic attacks, people with agoraphobia may also experience other embarrassing symptoms that can make them afraid to leave their home or be in public places. These symptoms can include:

1. Blushing: Some people with agoraphobia may experience intense blushing or flushing when they feel embarrassed or anxious. This can be particularly embarrassing in social situations, which can make it difficult to interact with others.

2. Trembling: Anxiety can cause people to feel shaky or tremble, which can be noticeable to others. This can be particularly embarrassing in situations where physical coordination is important, such as playing sports or performing on stage.

3. Sweating: Anxiety can cause people to sweat excessively, even in cool temperatures. This can be embarrassing and uncomfortable, particularly if it causes visible sweat stains on clothing.

4. Nausea or vomiting: Some people with agoraphobia may experience nausea or vomiting during periods of intense anxiety or panic. This can be particularly embarrassing if it happens in public or in front of others.

5. Urinary urgency or incontinence: Anxiety can cause people to feel an urgent need to urinate, or even to lose control of their bladder. This can be particularly embarrassing in public places or during social interactions.

6. Diarrhea: Anxiety can cause digestive symptoms, including diarrhea. This can be embarrassing and uncomfortable, particularly if it happens in public or in social situations.

People with agoraphobia may also engage in common safety behaviors or avoidance, which can make the disorder worse over time. These behaviors include things like only going out with a trusted friend or family member, carrying a cell phone at all times, or avoiding situations that trigger anxiety altogether.

These behaviors may provide temporary relief, but they ultimately reinforce the fear and prevent the person from learning that they can handle the situation without experiencing anxiety or panic. Over time, agoraphobia can become so severe that a person may become housebound and unable to leave their home at all.

In order to diagnose agoraphobia, the DSM-5-TR criteria also require that the fear or anxiety be disproportionate to the actual danger posed by the situation, and that the fear or anxiety causes significant distress or impairment in daily functioning.

Treatment for agoraphobia typically involves a combination of therapy and medication. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can help a person identify and challenge negative thought patterns that contribute to the fear and avoidance behaviors, while exposure therapy can help them gradually confront and overcome their fears. Antidepressant and anti-anxiety medications may also be prescribed to help manage symptoms.

In summary, agoraphobia is a type of anxiety disorder that involves an intense fear of situations or places where escape may be difficult. People with agoraphobia may engage in common safety behaviors or avoidance that can make the disorder worse over time. Treatment typically involves therapy and medication to help manage symptoms and overcome the fear and avoidance behaviors.