please someone help me

I just found out today that one of my family menber who lives in another state has never left her house in five years and has frequent anxiety attacks. Is this behavior some kind of anxiety disorder? If so, how can I help her?

Nobody here can diagnose your family member unfortunately... but it sounds like agoraphobia maybe? (Which is a fear of open areas, many people become stuck in their homes because they can't go outside because of anxiety). Does she have a therapist or someone who can help her through this professionally?

Sounds like agoraphobia...she needs to see a therapist, who can lead her in the right direction.

Hello starsinmylife, it's nice to meet you.
I agree with the others that she really needs a therapist to help her through this, have you asked her if she was willing to seek help? Therapy can be very successful in treating these kind of things.

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It seems likely that something is very wrong.
If she hasn't left her house in five years, how does she get groceries and pay the bills? Is she married?

It will probably be fruitless, but you can try to talk her into getting help. It would be very surprising if she does this on her own at this point. Is there family members who live in the same state who are willing to do an "intervention" of sorts and make an appointment for her, taking her there and back? Going outside will probably be very scary for her.

Well, the problem with seeing a therapist is that she's not likely to leave her house... obviously.

See if she's cool with people coming into her home. If so, there are various community support type agencies that provide in home assessment and treatment in many states.

You must care a lot about her to come looking for answers... that's awesome. Be well.