pediatrics
Agoraphobia in Children and Adolescents
Introduction
Agoraphobia is a persistent fear of being trapped in situations or places without a way to escape easily and without help. Diagnosis is by clinical criteria. Treatment is mainly with behavioral therapy. (See also Agoraphobia in adults.) Agoraphobia is uncommon among children, but it may develop in adolescents, particularly those who also have panic attacks. During a typical agoraphobic situation (eg, standing in line, sitting in the middle of a long row in a classroom), some people have Panic Disorder in Children and Adolescents ; others simply feel uncomfortable. Agoraphobia often interferes with function and, if severe enough, can cause people to become housebound. 