The general populations of North America and the United Kingdom only see a very small glimpse of what agoraphobia is, a life debilitating disorder that effects millions of people. In fact, in the year 2015, 3.2 million Americans are said to have agoraphobia.  When I look for definitions online using American, Canadian, and British websites I constantly only see "an extreme fear of open or crowded places" whilst this describes some people with agoraphobia, it does not describe all. I ask psychiatrists across North America and the United Kingdom to spread awareness to American, Canadian, and British citizens that agoraphobia can include any of the following:

*Fear of going out of the home alone be it driving, walking, or taking transportation.

*Fear of going out of the home altogether be it driving, walking, or taking transportation.

*Fear of driving. 

*Fear of driving alone.

*Fear of being alone in shops; for some only large department stores and for others any size shop. 

*Fear of being in a shop altogether even with someone; size of shop may make person with agoraphobia feel better or worse. 

*Fear of crowds

It is important to explain this fear is caused by a fear of getting a panic or anxiety attack when out, for some when alone and for some even when with others. By giving a more descriptive detail of the types of agoraphobia we can achieve acceptance and understanding for those who suffer, and hopefully, receive more funding to find a cure for a disorder that sucks billions out of our economies and ruins people. Currently, when I speak to Americans and Brits about agoraphobia they think you just pop a pill and everything is fine or they don't really comprehend this is a profound fear, one that makes you feel like your life is being threatened and we need better understanding and awareness.