Agoraphobia

Agoraphobia is an anxiety​​ disorder that is closely associated with panic attacks and sometimes considered a complication of this anxiety disorder, which was the reasoning for its inclusion is this section53. Moreover, based on the characteristics of the disorder, it may contribute to MRI appointment no-shows. Unlike people who suffer from claustrophobia or panic attacks, where there is an urge to flee a perceived dangerous situation, agoraphobic patients simply avoid stressful situations all together and, hence, contribute to no-shows5. The symptoms related to agoraphobia can be categorized as physical, behavioral, and cognitive53,64​​ (see chart). The physical symptoms are similar to those of a panic attack, which agoraphobics rarely experience because, as stated above, they avoid stressful situations64. It must be said that some people who suffer from agoraphobia, although still frightened and stressed, find the courage to overcome their fears and subject themselves to stressful situations64. Behavioral symptoms generally involve the agoraphobic changing their behavior and/or routines to avoid experiencing anxiety. The cognitive characteristics of agoraphobia sufferers tend to gravitate toward worrisome thoughts of future events, resulting in them going out of their way to evade potentially anxiety-causing situations53,64. Prominent worries for an agoraphobic include feeling they may be entering a situation they have no control over and that medical help may not be available if they experience a panic attack5. This is an important factor as the majority of patients who experience anxiety during the MRI feel a loss of control and isolated25,30.