Agoraphobia Causes & Risk Factors - OmniMedicalSearch.com

Conditions & Diseases: Psychological & Mental Health

Agoraphobia

See Also:
Agoraphobia: Introduction & Overview
Agoraphobia: Symptoms
Agoraphobia: Causes & Risk Factors
Agoraphobia: Treatment Options

Agoraphobia Causes and Risk Factors

The etiology of agoraphobia (cause) is not fully understood and identified, but the likelihood of developing this disorder involves a combination of genetic, social, and psychological factors.

Genetic Factors: The genetic causes of agoraphobia are complex and not completely understood. However, a study conducted in 2001 by a Yale geneticists team discovered a genetic locus on the human chromosome 3 that governs the person's risk of developing agoraphobia.

Psychological Factors: The research points out the possibility of an inborn temperament that makes a person more vulnerable to anxiety related situations. However, agoraphobia develops when a psychologically prone individual experiences high anxiety events.

Approximately 42 percent of those diagnosed with agoraphobia report a life history of real or feared separation from their parents or significant people in their childhood stage (caretakers). Based on these facts, researchers believe that adult agoraphobia can be attributed to an unresolved childhood separation anxiety. This hypothesis is also based on the observation that most agoraphobics feel safe in going out when they have company.

Social factors. The social factors seem to be related to the gender differences. According to statistics, agoraphobia is more common among women. A plausible hypothesis that can partially explained the gender prevalence of agoraphobia is the gender role socialization. This hypothesis is based on the fact that girls more than boys are thought to be fearful and timid about venturing out in public. Another hypothesis that may explain the gender differences on agoraphobia prevalence is based on the mother-daughter relationship. According to this perspective, mothers seem to give mixed messages to their daughters about becoming separate individuals. This might lead to a more fragile sense of self and a weak sense of internal psychological boundaries in girls, which tend to stay more within the physical boundaries of their home where they are safe.

See Also:
Agoraphobia: Introduction & Overview
Agoraphobia: Symptoms
Agoraphobia: Causes & Risk Factors
Agoraphobia: Treatment Options

Article by Alina Morrow
MS Psychology
Medical Writer
OmniMedicalSearch.com

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Page Last Modified:
09/08/2010