The main difference between agoraphobia and acrophobia is that agoraphobia is the fear of open or crowded places or places from which escape is difficult, whereas acrophobia is the fear of heights.
Phobia is an intense and irrational fear of an object or situation. Agoraphobia and acrophobia are two types of phobias. They are also types of anxiety disorders that interfere with our daily activities.
Key Areas Covered
1. What is Agoraphobia
– Definition, Facts, Symptoms
2. What is Acrophobia
– Definition, Facts, Symptoms
3. Similarities – Agoraphobia and Acrophobia
– Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Agoraphobia and Acrophobia
– Comparison of Key Differences
Key Terms
Agoraphobia, Acrophobia
What is Agoraphobia
Agoraphobia is the extreme fear of being in open or crowded places or in places from which escape is difficult. Typically, symptoms of agoraphobia may include fear of enclosed places like elevators or movie theaters, open spaces like malls or parking lots, crowds or waiting in line, and fear of public transportation like trains, buses, or plains. People with agoraphobia will feel safer going out with a companion, like a friend or relative. They will also try their best to avoid going out; for example, instead of going out for groceries, they will order groceries online. In fact, a person suffering from agoraphobia might even dread leaving home. Therefore, agoraphobia is not just an irrational fear but a mental disorder, specifically an anxiety disorder.
When a person with agoraphobia finds himself in a stressful situation, he may experience symptoms of a panic attack: rapid heartbeat, hyperventilating, feeling hot and sweaty, etc. Agoraphobia typically develops as a complication of panic disorder. But traumatic events like being attacked or the death of a loved one can also trigger this condition.
What is Acrophobia
Acrophobia is the extreme and irrational fear of heights. It’s also a type of phobia and anxiety disorder. Most of us are more cautious than normal when we are at a great height (for example, being on the top floor of a 20-story building). But people with acrophobia experience an intense fear of heights. They might be scared of climbing a simple ladder, crossing over a bridge, or standing near a balcony. Furthermore, acrophobia is a very common type of phobia; many people experience this condition, but with different severities.
The extreme fear when looking at, thinking about, or being in high places, the feeling that something negative will happen, and the strong desire to leave such places are the mental signs and symptoms of acrophobia. The physical signs and symptoms of this condition include rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, feeling queasy, dizzy, lightheaded, and trembling.
Similarities Between Agoraphobia and Acrophobia
- Agoraphobia and acrophobia are two types of anxiety disorders.
- Both cause some similar symptoms like rapid heartbeat and shortness of breath.
- These conditions can interfere with your daily life, limiting your ability to work and socialize.
Difference Between Agoraphobia and Acrophobia
Definition
Agoraphobia is the extreme and irrational fear of being in open or crowded places or in places from which escape is difficult, while acrophobia is the extreme and irrational fear of heights.
Avoidance
People with agoraphobia avoid going to crowded places, open places, or enclosed places, using public transportation, or leaving home altogether. However, people with acrophobia avoid being in high places (tall buildings, balconies, bridges, ladders, etc.).
Symptoms
When in a stressful situation, a person with agoraphobia can experience panic attacks, with symptoms like rapid heartbeat, hyperventilating, feeling hot and sweaty, etc. In contrast, a person with agoraphobia might experience rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, queasiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, and trembling.
Uniqueness
Acrophobia is a more common phobia than agoraphobia.
Conclusion
Agoraphobia and acrophobia are two types of anxiety disorders. The main difference between agoraphobia and acrophobia is that agoraphobia is the fear of open or crowded places or places from where escape is difficult, whereas acrophobia is the fear of height.
Reference:
1. “Agoraphobia.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 18 Nov. 2017.
2. Fritscher, Lisa. “What to Do If You Suffer from Acrophobia.” Verywell Mind, 25 June 2020.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Photo of pedestrian, people, street, crowd, busy, motion, transport, shopping, public transport, activity, shopping mall” (CC0) via Pxhere
2. “Abyss-window-sill-dangerous” (CC0) via Pixabay
Leave a Reply