Agoraphobia is a type of condition that involves intense fear and avoidance of any place or situation where escape might be difficult. Some people's lives become so restricted by agoraphobia that they avoid normal, everyday activities, such as grocery shopping or driving. In some cases, they become housebound, or they may be able to confront a feared situation only if accompanied by a spouse or other trusted person. Agoraphobia is best treated with a specific form of short-term psychotherapy called cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT).