In family dynamics with panic disorders, what pattern is often observed when agoraphobia is present?

• A. Panic disorders have no impact on family roles.
• B. Family therapy should isolate the patient from family interactions.
• C. The primary goal is to remove all family involvement.
• D. Agoraphobia may require presence of family members in close proximity, resulting in marital stress/over-reliance on children.

Answer: (D)

Panic disorder with agoraphobia often creates a pattern where family members stay close and provide constant accompaniment, leading to marital stress and over-reliance on children. When someone fears leaving the home or being in public spaces, family members frequently adjust their own routines to be available and reassuring, which can become a form of accommodation. This closeness helps the person feel safer in the short term but can reinforce avoidance and dependency over time. That dynamic—needing nearby presence from spouses or children and the resulting strains on relationships and daily functioning—is the typical pattern seen when agoraphobia is present.

Other options imply no impact, isolation, or removing family involvement, which doesn’t reflect how agoraphobia shapes family life.