Agoraphobia Test

Dr Elaine Ryan

Written by Dr Elaine Ryan, PsychD · 20+ years treating anxiety disorders & OCD

Updated

Agoraphobia can involve fear of situations where escape feels difficult or help might be unavailable. It may affect travel, shops, crowds or being away from home alone. Panic attacks can be part of the picture, but they are not required.

This agoraphobia test explores the fear, avoidance and effect on everyday life. Your feedback explains whether your answers suggest an agoraphobia pattern and where to start getting help.

A clearer picture, one question at a time

Check for a fear-and-avoidance pattern

Think about the past month and choose what best fits your experience. Your feedback explains the pattern your answers suggest, what may keep it going, and where to start.

9 questionsAbout 3 minutesNo email needed

This self-check is for adults. The questionnaire itself does not send or save your answers. They are cleared when you reload or leave this page.

You can read the questions below. Enable JavaScript for the step-by-step questionnaire and personalised feedback.

Do you fear situations where escape might be difficult or help might be unavailable if you became unwell or panicked?

This is the reason for the fear, rather than fear of a particular place alone.

Do buses, trains, cars or journeys feel difficult because you might not be able to leave or get help?

Do not count difficulty caused only by practical access, mobility or cost.

Do crowds, queues or large open spaces feel difficult for that same escape-or-help reason?

Think about the feared consequence if you stayed.

Do shops, cinemas or other enclosed places feel difficult because leaving or getting help could be hard?

Answer about fear, rather than a simple preference for quieter places.

Does being away from home alone feel unsafe because help or escape might be difficult?

Not liking solitude is different from fear of coping if you become unwell.

Do you avoid outings, leave early or organise routes around a quick escape?

Consider changes made mainly to prevent feared panic or being trapped.

Do you feel able to go to certain places only with someone you trust?

Do not count company needed for practical care or accessibility.

How long have these fears or changes been part of your life?

Choose your best estimate.

How much has this affected your work, study, relationships or ordinary activities?

Choose the answer that best reflects your own experience.

How to understand this self-check

Agoraphobia is more than not wanting to leave the house. An assessment considers the feared outcome, different situations, avoidance, persistence and interference. Panic attacks may be present, but are not necessary. Existing physical or accessibility needs also matter.

The questions are an original educational self-check, rather than a validated diagnostic instrument. Results reflect the combinations, frequency and impact you report; they do not provide a probability of diagnosis or a clinical severity score.

Read the agoraphobia guide for more information.