Agoraphobia Without History of Panic Disorder, Preschool

You said your child has a fear of being in certain situations or places. Specifically, s/he is afraid of being in places where it might be embarrassing or hard to escape. It is likely that s/he has also had very brief bouts of intense fear or worry.

These could include one or more of the following:

• A sense that something bad is about to happen
• Racing or pounding heartbeat
• Sweating
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Shortness of breath or a feeling of being smothered
• Trembling or shaking
• Feeling of choking
• Chest pain or discomfort
• Nausea or stomachache
• Feeling like things are not real; feeling detached from oneself
• Fear of losing control or going crazy
• Fear of dying
• Numbness or tingling feelings
• Chills or hot flushes

Some children with these difficulties start to feel anxious all the time. They may start to avoid situations where they think these symptoms may happen. They are afraid of being in places where it might be embarrassing or hard to escape. For example, a child may not want to go to preschool or be separated from his/her parents. This pattern of avoiding certain places or situations is called "agoraphobia." Based on your report, your child has some of these fears. Your child may be very "clingy" and have problems being away from you. It is rare to see these problems in young children. This is because they are almost never alone. Young children who do have these types of problems have Agoraphobia Without History of Panic Disorder.

Adapted in part from the American Psychiatric Association (APA) Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders: Fourth Edition (1994) .