A Case of Agoraphobia

Agoraphobia is one of the most interesting forms in which an anxiety neurosis manifests itself. The underlying causes of this disturbance can be determined only by analysis. The following case was analyzed by the writer under the supervision of Dr. Stekel. The method used was his active analytical technique.

Frau Gina, a woman of forty-two years, came to the Ambulatorium in Vienna accompanied by her daughter. She complained of a fear of open places. In this particular case the patient was afraid she might fall ill while on the street. As long as she remained at home she felt fine. No sooner than she left, this feeling overcame her. The condition started eight years ago and gradually became more severe. The last two years she has been unable to leave her home without being accompanied. Even then the fear persists. Theater, Concert, Opera, all are closed to her. She must remain home. It is only with the greatest will power that she manages to go daily to her work. (Of course, only when accompanied.) Even that ten minute walk, is a source of terror to her.

Furthermore, Frau Gina complains of gastro-intestinal disturbances. She has a constant feeling of distension in the epigastrium, lack of appetite, and bitter taste in her mouth. Examination by various physicians revealed no organic lesion. The diagnosis made was gastro-intestinal neurosis. All therapy up to this time was of no avail. The patient was advised to undergo an analysis.

Frau Gina begins the analysis with a short story of her life. She speaks slowly, hesitatingly, which in the first hour discloses her strong inner resistance. This may be considered a bad prognostic sign.

The patient comes from a rather healthy family: There is no trace of mental or nervous disease in any of the immediate relatives. She grew up in a poorer middle class environment. Her father died of tuberculosis when she was sixteen years old. This was a great blow to her, since she was always her father's favorite. Her mother