In simple words: Agoraphobia without panic disorder is a fear of being in situations where escape might be difficult or embarrassing, or where help might not be available in the event of having a panic attack or panic-like symptoms. People with this condition experience significant anxiety and distress in these situations, but do not experience panic attacks.

Agoraphobia without panic disorder refers to fear of open or closed public spaces, places crowded with people, or situations where escape might be difficult. While such situations cause the patient extreme distress, the patient does not suffer panic attacks. Patients suffering from agoraphobia without panic disorder may experience fear of traveling on buses, trams, planes, or trains, standing in long lines, or going to shopping malls or theaters and other crowded places. They may fear large open spaces like parking lots and leaving home alone. Patients with chronic health conditions may fear that they could have a medical emergency in a public area or where no help is available. In these situations, patients might experience fear, increased heart rate, difficulty breathing, chest heaviness, sweats or chills, unsteadiness, and an intense desire to get away. There are no specific laboratory or diagnostic tests for agoraphobia without panic disorder, but it is diagnosed after an assessment by a mental health professional or other provider based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders criteria, the patient’s history, signs and symptoms, a detailed inquiry into the individual’s personal and social behavior, and physical examination. Treatment includes cognitive behavioral therapy and anxiolytic medications.

Example 1: A 25-year-old patient reports experiencing intense fear and anxiety when using public transport, attending crowded events, or being in enclosed spaces. They avoid these situations as much as possible but do not experience panic attacks., A 40-year-old patient experiences significant distress when leaving their home, particularly when going to open spaces like parks or parking lots. They report feeling trapped and uneasy in these situations, leading to avoidance behaviors, but deny experiencing panic attacks., A 60-year-old patient with a chronic health condition avoids going out alone due to fear of having a medical emergency in public. They express significant anxiety about not having immediate access to help if needed, impacting their ability to participate in social activities and errands, but they don't experience panic attacks.

Documentation should include a detailed history of the patient's symptoms, including specific situations that trigger fear and anxiety. The patient's avoidance behaviors and their impact on daily life should also be noted. A mental health assessment based on DSM-5 criteria is necessary for diagnosis, along with any relevant physical examination findings or other medical conditions.