Over the years, there have been many definitions of agoraphobia. All are true but tends to be an oversimplified view of the real affliction.

One of the most popular definitions is the literal interpretation of the two Greek words: agora (open spaces) and phobia (fear). Hence we have the "fear of open spaces". With the improvements on processes and researches to the affliction, we know today that while this definition is true, it is also limiting.

Researches on agoraphobia show that the panic disorder is really a complex issue. Agoraphobia is the fear of not being in control of the open spaces and the fear that those spaces will trigger the panic attack. It is the association of the places and spaces where the panic attacks happened and the trying to do everything in ones capability to avoid those that could trigger the experiences of another terror.

Whatever the definition, agoraphobics will be developing their own strategies to avoid the occasions that could trigger the attack that would at some point result to self-isolation. When that happens, the person's function would be very limited. Ordinary everyday activities, like shopping, attending parties, driving and in many cases moving out of the house will be avoided unless accompanied by people that they absolutely trust. Aside from this, a person with agoraphobia will most likely develop other forms of coping with the anxiety like alcoholism, substance abuse, and in some instances suicide.

Research on agoraphobia shows that about one third of those that have suffered from panic attacks develop agoraphobia. If there are four million Americans with agoraphobia, it will be safe to infer that there are more than 12 million Americans who are suffering from panic attacks. Majority of the estimated four million are cases that have been reported. Because of the complications of the affliction like misdiagnosis and the fear of many sufferers from venturing out of their homes, the numbers are definitely much higher than that

Research on agoraphobia shows that 40% of people suffering from agoraphobia have acquired the disorder genetically. The mapping out of the entire sequence of DNA in humans started in 1990. Since then, psychiatric treatment for agoraphobia also developed rapidly.

It has since been discovered that the genes that are associated with disorders will not always have the same level of penetrance. A gene that was transferred to the offspring that could trigger manic depression may typically have a 20% penetrance that could be translated to 20% of the members within a family are likely to get develop the disorder.

Women are more at risk to developing agoraphobia than men. This has not yet been truly resolved and is still a subject to more extensive research. This ratio is also the same for other forms of anxiety disorders. A person who is suffering from several panic disorders will be at risk of developing agoraphobia. Onset of agoraphobia is usually in the late 20's. Children too are also susceptible to panic disorders that could manifest the same symptoms from those of the adults. The tragedy though with children is their inability to express exactly their suffering that often is interpreted as unreasonable tantrums.

The constant research on agoraphobia over the past two decades has resulted into various approaches and treatment that today 90% of those with the affliction will be treated effectively with long lasting and even permanent effect.