Is there such a thing as reverse agoraphobia?

I had a panic attack like two years ago after I moved to Texas.
My family says it was because of the change of environment, Since I'm from Los Angeles. Right after the attack I couldn't stay at home and I was even afraid of being alone. The whole day I would stick to my parents or anyone else like glue! And when it came to bedtime I would start getting anxious and really panicky because that meant I would be alone with my thoughts...when I was out though, it rarely happened, not never, just rarely. I guess my question is...Is it possible to develop REVERSE AGORAPHOBIA?

sounds more just like dependency. having to cling to people. maybe it was triggered by moving. not having the people you care about around you.

Hi, GoAskAlice, welcome to PsychCentral.

Agoraphobia is a phobia, fear of being in open spaces (like Los Angeles :-) What you had sounds like an anxiety reaction, a kind of "reactive" anxiety.

This Michigan college counseling center handout might explain it a little better: http://www.counseling.mtu.edu/anxiety_management.html

I suspect going to the new, strange place, Texas, where you didn't "know what was going to happen" and didn't have a familiar routine/life so it was all unknown, might have temporarily upset you. Kind of like if you imagine being dropped off in the middle of a European city without knowing the language; that would make a heck of a lot of people anxious even though others might find it exciting/challenging.

If you don't mind my asking, why are you asking this now; I take it you are back in California? Did it not work out in Texas and you're contemplating taking another trip but are worried about the anxiety returning?

i think saluki girl may be on to what is going on here alice hang in there

I'll throw another word out there for you, Transitional Anxiety. Big changes often accompany stress and stress comes in many different ways. It's usually caused by all of the changes in our lives. The more things we have to deal with the greater our anxiety tends to be.

Did you have a history of anxiety attacks before moving?

Also, Autophobia is the fear of being alone (or of oneself), if your curious.

nice to know never ever heard of autophobia thanks

Hi Im a pysch student and I just wanted to correct one of the above definitions of Agoraphobia. Though it sounds like you may have autophobia, agoraphobia is the fear or avoidance of situations in which escape might be difficult or help unavailable when panic strikes. I just copied that word for word from the text because I don't want anyone to be misinformed. But maybe a T would help? I wish you luck!

i recently went through a break up and started having panic attacks about a month ago. never had one in my life and then bam, 4-10 times a day. ive started avoiding being home, my gf was always over my house, so being there makes me think of it and brings on attacks. i havent spent a weekend at my house in 6 weeks, i manage to stay some nights during the week but usually pass out in my recliner rather than go in my room. so i know its totally different circumstances but i share a simialar fear.

I think I know what you mean (I don't know if there's a "term" for it, however, for better or worse). When I lived in San Francisco I sometimes noticed that I hated returning home, and while my living situation was pretty crappy I don't think that was the reason. Somehow "home" had become co-identified with *myself*…and I didn't want to "be" with my own problems. I still feel this way a little at night and have trouble falling asleep, since you really are alone at that point with yourself (unless you're not, of course).

Having said that I don't have any answers for you other than don't give up, stay as physically and mentally healthy as possible, and keep looking for answers wherever you may find them (this board, a therapist, a book, new people, etc.)

Like your Nick name for here .... Airplane ,, errrrrmmm ,, G A A ,, I use to be a not go out peep unless I was in/with familiar folks or places ...

Kinda the same still ,, [ but older ] ,,,, But I have abandonment issuses that >> seem to get me sad and irritated .

But ,, Like others have mentioned >> could be the transition thing .... I enjoy being outside ,, if only to sit on porch .. [ did I mention I old LOL .] Not in a rocking chair yet :P

WMD.

The fear of being alone was stimulated by your move away from your family. Moving is a big change in a person's life even if it is a planned move and a good move (new house, better job, school, etc).

It is very much like agoraphobia, because "home" in this case is defined by being near your family. Being near your family feels comfortable, familiar, safe. So, instead of being unwilling, unable to leave home, you are unable to leave your family. It doesn't feel good, it doesn't feel safe.

It is a kind of separation anxiety and a therapist can help you explore what's going on that's making you feel this way and to help you find relief so you can feel much better and do the things you want to do.