New-onset agoraphobia in late life

Agoraphobia has typically been associated with panic and as been defined as "anxiety about being in places or situations from which escape might be difficult (or embarrassing), or in which help may not be available in the event of having an unexpected or situationally predisposed panic attack or panic-like symptoms." Studies have suggested that the majority of older adults with agoraphobia do not have panic disorder. Among older adults, the onset of agoraphobia has been associated with the development of physical disability or traumatic life events. Additional risk factors associated with late-onset agoraphobia include female gender, widowed or divorced status, chronic health conditions, and comorbid psychiatric disorders. In this AAGP Psychiatry Rounds column, the author discusses the presentation and treatment of late-onset agoraphobia.