Agoraphobia can begin in childhood, but usually starts in the late teen or early adult years — usually before age 35 — but older adults can also develop it. Women are diagnosed with agoraphobia more often than men are. Risk factors for agoraphobia include: Having panic disorder or other phobias.

Can you suddenly develop agoraphobia?

Agoraphobia without panic disorder

Occasionally, a person can develop symptoms of agoraphobia even though they don't have a history of panic disorder or panic attacks.

How does agoraphobia develop?

Agoraphobia usually develops as a complication of panic disorder, an anxiety disorder involving panic attacks and moments of intense fear. It can arise by associating panic attacks with the places or situations where they occurred and then avoiding them.