In brief: Agoraphobia affects about 2% of the population and goes well beyond a simple fear of going out. This complex anxiety disorder is characterized by a marked fear of specific situations such as transport, crowds, open or closed spaces, where the person fears not being able to escape easily. Understanding the severity of your symptoms is the first step toward appropriate support. Scientifically validated psychological scales, such as the Chambless and Caputo scale or the Albany Mobility Inventory, allow your level of anxiety and avoidance to be precisely assessed. Self-assessment through an avoidance journal over two weeks or through simplified questionnaires offers practical tools to objectify your situation. Warning signs justifying a prompt consultation include complete isolation, recurrent panic attacks or substance use to manage anxiety. An accurate assessment guides your therapeutic steps toward the most effective treatments.

Agoraphobia test: assess your severity level

Marie, 32, feels a knot in her stomach every time she has to take public transport. What was once a routine trip to her office has become a real ordeal. She now avoids crowded shopping centers, declines invitations to restaurants and prefers to order her groceries online rather than face the aisles of a supermarket. Does this situation sound familiar? Agoraphobia affects about 2% of the population according to the DSM-5, but its manifestations vary considerably from one person to another. Contrary to popular belief, it is not simply a "fear of leaving home," but a complex anxiety disorder that requires an accurate assessment to be properly managed. Understanding the severity of your symptoms is the first step toward appropriate support. Scientifically validated psychological tests offer valuable tools to objectify your situation and guide your therapeutic steps.

Understanding agoraphobia: beyond the prejudices

Current diagnostic criteria

According to the DSM-5, agoraphobia is characterized by a marked fear or anxiety concerning at least two of the following five situations:

• Using public transport (subway, bus, planes, boats)

• Being in open spaces (parking lots, markets, bridges)

• Being in enclosed places (stores, theaters, cinemas)

• Standing in line or being in a crowd

• Being alone outside the home

The impact on daily life

Agoraphobia generates systematic avoidance or requires the presence of a companion. These situations are dreaded because the person fears not being able to escape easily or not receiving help in case of panic symptoms or other incapacitating symptoms.

"Agoraphobia is not a weakness of character, but an anxiety disorder that responds effectively to cognitive and behavioral therapies when it is properly assessed and treated."

Self-assessment helps you better understand your own anxiety mechanisms and can be the necessary trigger to undertake a therapeutic process. In some cases, these difficulties can also impact interpersonal relationships, as you can explore with tools to analyze your couple conversations.

Scientifically validated assessment scales

The Chambless and Caputo agoraphobia scale

Developed by Dianne Chambless and Grace Caputo in 1985, this scale remains one of the most widely used tools to measure the severity of agoraphobia. It comprises two subscales: The agoraphobic avoidance scale evaluates 25 situations on a scale from 1 (never avoided) to 5 (always avoided):

• Cinemas, theaters

• Supermarkets

• Stores in general

• Restaurants

• Elevators

The body anxiety scale measures anxiety linked to 17 physical sensations:

• Heart palpitations

• Dizziness

• Feeling of choking

• Trembling

• Sweating

The Albany Mobility Inventory

Created by Chambless, Caputo, Jasin, Gracely and Williams, this tool specifically evaluates avoidance situations linked to agoraphobia. It comprises 26 items rated along three dimensions:

• Frequency: How often do you find yourself in this situation?

• Avoidance: To what extent do you avoid this situation?

• Accompaniment: Do you need to be accompanied?

The Hamilton anxiety scale

Although it is not specific to agoraphobia, the HAM-A scale developed by Max Hamilton in 1959 remains a valuable complement to assess general anxiety. It measures 14 groups of symptoms on a scale from 0 to 4:

• Anxious mood

• Tension

• Fears

• Insomnia

• Intellectual difficulties

• Depressed mood

How to interpret your severity level

The different degrees of agoraphobia

Mild agoraphobia (low scale score)

• Occasional avoidance of 1-2 specific situations

• Moderate but manageable anxiety

• Limited impact on daily life

• Ability to face situations with effort

Moderate agoraphobia (intermediate score)

• Avoidance of 3-4 types of situations

• Significant anxiety requiring coping strategies

• Notable impact on social and professional activities

• Frequent need for accompaniment

Severe agoraphobia (high score)

• Avoidance of the majority of agoraphobic situations

• Intense anxiety with marked physical symptoms

• Significant restriction of movement

• Progressive social isolation

The warning signs not to neglect

Certain indicators suggest the need for a prompt consultation:

• Complete avoidance of leaving home for several weeks

• Recurrent panic attacks (more than 4 per month)

• Suicidal thoughts linked to the feeling of confinement

• Consumption of alcohol or substances to manage anxiety

• Job loss or relationship breakups due to avoidance

Self-assessment strategies and practical tools

Keeping an avoidance journal

Keeping a structured journal for 2 weeks allows you to objectify your behaviors: Suggested format for each day:

• Situations avoided: which ones and why

• Anxiety level (scale 0-10) in each situation

• Strategies used (accompaniment, avoidance, medication)

• Impact on your general mood

• Activities accomplished despite the anxiety

The simplified self-questionnaire

Here are 10 key questions for an initial self-assessment:

Transport: Do you avoid buses, subways, trains or planes?

Stores: Do large stores cause you anxiety?

Crowds: Do you dread events with many people?

Solitude: Are you afraid to go out alone?

Open spaces: Do parking lots or squares worry you?

Enclosed places: Do cinemas, elevators pose a problem for you?

Restaurants: Do you eat easily outside?

Accompaniment: Do you need to be accompanied?

Physical symptoms: Do you feel palpitations, dizziness?

Social impact: Do your loved ones notice your avoidances?

Using apps and digital tools

Several scientifically validated apps can complement your self-assessment:

• Anxiety journals with daily reminders

• Jacobson's progressive relaxation exercises

• Coherent breathing techniques

• Assisted gradual exposure

When and how to consult a professional

Indications for a specialized consultation

A professional assessment becomes necessary when:

• Your self-questionnaire scores suggest moderate to severe agoraphobia

• The impact on your professional life becomes significant

• Your family and friendship relationships deteriorate

• You develop associated depressive symptoms

• The self-assessment reveals suicidal thoughts

The professional assessment process

A specialized psychologist or psychiatrist will use several complementary tools: Structured clinical interview:

• Detailed history of symptoms

• Search for triggering factors

• Assessment of comorbidities (depression, other anxiety disorders)

• Precise functional impact

Standardized psychometric tests:

• Specialized scales (Chambless, Albany Mobility Inventory)

• Assessment of general anxiety (Hamilton, Beck)

• Quality of life questionnaires

• Measurement of behavioral avoidance

Evidence-based therapeutic approaches

Cognitive and behavioral therapy (CBT) remains the reference treatment with efficacy rates of 70-80% according to meta-analyses. The main techniques include:

• Gradual exposure: progressive confrontation of feared situations

• Cognitive restructuring: modification of catastrophic thoughts

• Relaxation techniques: management of physical symptoms

• Psychoeducation: understanding of anxiety mechanisms

At the Psychologie et Sérénité practice, we use these scientifically validated approaches to support our patients toward a better quality of life.

Perspectives and resources to go further

The importance of social support

Those around you play a crucial role in the recovery process. Loved ones can:

• Encourage without forcing exposure to anxiety-provoking situations

• Avoid overprotection that reinforces avoidance

• Participate in family therapy sessions if necessary

• Maintain social activities adapted to the person's pace

Complementary resources

Specialized reading:

• "Cognitive and behavioral treatment of agoraphobia" — Cottraux

• "Overcoming your fears" — Servant & Parquet

• "Anxiety and panic disorders" — Cungi

Associations and support groups:

• French association for anxiety disorders and depression (AFTAD)

• Local discussion groups

• Online forums moderated by professionals

The self-assessment of your agoraphobia represents a first courageous step toward understanding and managing your difficulties. Scientifically validated tools offer you an objective view of your situation, far from personal judgments that are often too harsh. Do not forget that agoraphobia, whatever its severity, responds effectively to modern therapies. Your score on the various scales is not inevitable, but a starting point for building a care path adapted to your specific needs. Take the time to self-assess with kindness, document your observations and do not hesitate to share this information with a qualified professional. Your psychological well-being deserves this investment of time and attention.

FAQ

How does the agoraphobia test work?

Test your agoraphobia with a validated tool. The test is designed to provide you with a fast and reliable assessment, based on validated clinical criteria.

Is this test reliable for diagnosing agoraphobia or its severity?

This questionnaire is based on clinical scales used in CBT and clinical psychology. It does not replace a professional diagnosis, but constitutes a valuable first indicator to guide a consultation.

What should I do if the test result indicates a high score?

A high score suggests that a consultation with a practitioner or psychologist may be beneficial. CBT offers effective protocols to work on these dimensions in 8 to 16 sessions.