Test Result
Severe Agoraphobia
“You have built a fortress to keep yourself safe, but you may be finding that the walls are now keeping you in.”
Your Result: Severe Agoraphobia
Your responses suggest Severe Agoraphobia. It is likely that your daily life is heavily restricted by the fear of being in situations where escape is difficult or help is unavailable. You may have a clearly defined "safe zone" (perhaps just your home or a few blocks around it) and feel intense panic when trying to leave it.
This is not a reflection of "weakness." It is a reflection of how hard your brain is working to protect you from perceived danger. The alarm system is stuck in the "ON" position.
"The cave you fear to enter holds the treasure you seek." — Joseph Campbell
Typical behaviors
- Strict Boundaries: You likely avoid entire categories of activity (e.g., no flying, no crowds, no being alone outside).
- Anticipatory Dread: The fear begins days before an event, often leading to cancellation.
- Dependency: You may rely heavily on family members to run errands or accompany you everywhere.
Strengths in this pattern
- Sensitivity: Your heightened nervous system often means you are deeply empathetic and attuned to others' feelings.
- Resourcefulness: You have managed to organize a life that accommodates intense challenges, which requires significant logistical skill.
Common pitfalls
The "Fear of Fear" Cycle
At this level, you are likely not afraid of the place (the store, the bus), but of the sensations of panic itself (heart racing, fainting).
- You avoid places to avoid the feeling.
- By avoiding, you never get the chance to see that the panic attacks are not dangerous (just uncomfortable).
Reflection point: "Have I actually ever fainted or lost control, or have I just feared that I would?"
What you can do next
Small actions you can start today
- The Front Porch Step: If leaving the house is hard, just step out the front door and stand there for 5 minutes. Do not go further. Just stand and breathe.
- Visualize Success: Spend 5 minutes a day vividly imagining yourself in a feared situation without panicking.
Longer-term directions
- Professional Therapy is Vital: Severe agoraphobia is very difficult to overcome alone, but highly treatable with help. Therapies like CBT and Exposure Therapy have high success rates.
- Medication: Consult a psychiatrist. Sometimes medication can lower the "noise" volume of anxiety enough to let you start doing the therapy work.
Disclaimer and when to seek help
This test is for educational purposes only and is not a clinical diagnosis. However, your score suggests symptoms that significantly impact your quality of life. We strongly encourage you to seek support from a mental health professional. Recovery is entirely possible, and you do not have to do it alone.