Our stereotype of agoraphobia is a person who is too anxious to leave the house. While it can become that severe, it doesn’t start out like that. Children who have agoraphobia will avoid certain locations (like movie theaters, bridges or buses) because they worry something bad might happen there, and they won’t be able to get help.

This week on childmind.org we take a look at agoraphobia in children, and explore the connection between agoraphobia and panic attacks, which often go hand-in-hand. We also cover how to distinguish agoraphobia from other disorders it might be mistaken for, like separation anxiety or social anxiety, and how to get the right treatment.

Rachel Ehmke, Managing Editor | ✉

Agoraphobia in Children

When kids avoid certain locations because of a fear of something bad happening.

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Panic Attacks and How to Treat Them

The fear and avoidance they inspire can be seriously impairing.

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What Is Social Anxiety?

When fear of how you appear gets in the way of functioning.

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What Is Separation Anxiety?

Extreme worries about mom and dad can persist in older children.

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Fear of Vomiting

Shame and secrecy complicate a phobia common in children.

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Behavioral Treatment for Kids With Anxiety

Kids learn to handle the bully in the brain.

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