New and need help

Hi, I have only recently heard of agoraphobia, so, I don't really know much about it and I don't like using google to diagnose things, so, I thought I'd ask some people on a forum instead...

Pretty much since I was about 13 I've suffered from panic attacks. When I was 18 my doctor recommended I take citalopram because I also suffer from depression at times. I had been taking citalopram up until a few months ago (I'm almost 23 now) because I felt that I was "better". Recently the panic attacks have come back. They are not as severe, but I feel like they are possibly escalating.

My doctor never found the cause of my panic attacks, I think she really put it down to stress etc, however, recently I have found a definite pattern in when they occur, however I'm not entirely sure that it's "agoraphobia".

I have noticed that it's not crowds of people that induce them as such, but it's when I feel like I'm in a situation where I can't leave. I feel completely trapped for different reasons. I tend to feel anxious when in exams, classes, work situations, and social situations in which it would be weird to just get up and leave. I hate being around people and not having the option to leave without it being weird. I have had this experience also when nobody was around me which makes me question whether it's agoraphobia.
I often dislike leaving my room or making commitments to meeting friends etc because I dislike that I cannot get out of it and I feel anxious knowing that I have to go out there and appear normal.

I often find that when I am around a lot of people I worry that I will pass out, I also really like routine.

I'm nowhere near housebound, but I only really have one good friend.

I am kind of at a loss as to what I should do... I have sort of decided to see the doctor about going back on citalopram, but should I mention this? I don't feel entirely comfortable talking about it and I'm not exactly sure what's going on. Any help would be appreciated, thanks.

Heya,

I think that the label of 'agoraphobia' is only telling a part of what you're going through. Then again, something like social anxiety disorder might only be telling a part of the story too. You know, it can be quite difficult when in your situation because you are lost and dont' know which direction to take. This is why doing your own research is important. Agoraphobia is 'nice' to use to describe what you have, but it doesn't help you much. You have to figure out WHY you become anxious in crowds of people.

In my case, I was an introverted child who exhibited symptoms of Asperger's Syndrome, but now I'm a 28 year old who is just fine in crowds of people.

You know, people go to their local doctor for what you are going through. Would you feel up for going too? If not, then do some research on Avoidant Personality Disorder, Schizoid Affective Disorder, and Asperger's Syndrome.

Take care
Kevin