Agoraphobia may be its own separate disorder independent of panic disorder and panic attacks, according to a new epidemiological study conducted by researchers at the University of Dresden. Current diagnostic criteria classifies agoraphobia as a consequence of either panic disorder or panic attacks. Agoraphobia currently is defined as a fear of being trapped in situations where escape may be impossible or embarrassing (or help unavailable) in the event of a panic attack.

The majority of study participants with agoraphobia, however, had never experienced a panic attack. Additionally, the researchers found that panic attacks and panic disorder only moderately increased the risk for agoraphobia, and agoraphobia was an even lower risk for the onset of panic. Study findings were published in the March 2008 Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics. The researchers say that their findings should result in changes in the current classification of agoraphobia.

For current diagnostic criteria for agoraphobia, please see What Are the Symptoms of Agoraphobia?