For years I suffered from agoraphobia (panic attacks) after experiencing a trauma at work...
It took me nine years to control it but even now it can take hold with some unexpected event but I now have the coping mechanism to
work through it until I feel free again.
It can be anything - not necessarily the usual fears like critters, men in black capes, and all the other stuff of movie-land - it can be just crossing the street or entering a huge building and having to take an elevator.
When I finally broke free and learned control I made a mission to help other people with this embarrassing disability - and every person
seems to be different so there is no one cause - only our heads and reactions.
It can be overcome - if I can control it anyone can but it's like training for a football team - mental and physical hard work.