Dictionary Definitions

One thing I keep wondering ... My understanding of being agoraphobic is NOT the same as dictionary definitions how can being agoraphobic be described the way dictionary definitions explain it?

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the word Agoraphobia as found on www.dictionary.com
ag·o·ra·pho·bi·a ( g r- -f b - )
n.
An abnormal fear of open or public places.
agoraphobia n :
a morbid fear of open spaces (as fear of being caught alone in
some public place)

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agoraphobia: in CancerWEB's On-line Medical Dictionary
agoraphobia
An unexplained fear of open spaces.
Origin: Gr. Phobos = fear

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If Agoraphobia is the fear of open spaces .. then why is it I & many other sufferers experience attacks/panic/episodes while NOT away from home or even thinking of going anywhere.

I have often had panic attacks while sat watching TV or chatting on the net I do not have to be considering going out I do not even have to "think" of going out an attack can happen even while sleeping.

I also believe .. "once an agoraphobe .. always an agoraphobe". meaning .. we can educate our selves
we can work towards a more "normal" life style, we can become able to go out into the world
BUT...
"recovering aggies" are always on the look out for "IT" coming back. A recovered aggie still has the adrenalin rushes .. still has symptoms, the main difference is they have learnt to NOT allow those symptoms to interfere with their lives.

I have found one definition that sounds more like my understanding
found at Merriam-Webster OnLine ...

Main Entry: ag·o·ra·pho·bia
Pronunciation: "a-g(&-)r&-'fO-bE-&
Function: noun
Etymology: New Latin, from Greek agora + New Latin -phobia
Date: 1873
: abnormal fear of being helpless in an embarrassing or unescapable situation that
is characterized especially by the avoidance of open or public places

Anyway .. my search & fight goes on.

Fruity