Celebs With Extremely Rare Medical Conditions

While panic attacks are fairly common, they can lead to agoraphobia, a rare but severe complication characterized by a fear of public spaces. A 2020 study published by Europe PMC states that "agoraphobia is present in approximately 1.7% of the general population."

In a 2001 installment of the America Undercover docuseries, titled "Panic: A Film About Coping," actor Kim Basinger discussed her agoraphobia, recounting a panic attack that led to her rushing out of a health food store, driving home, "and not leaving for six months."

Following her divorce from Alec Baldwin, Basinger's brother-in-law, Billy Baldwin, made some problematic statements to the New York Post in 2007. "One minute she could be very loving and caring and familiar... Then in the next breath, it all went bizarre... I don't know where agoraphobia begins and narcissism ends," he told the publication. His comments underscore the stigma associated with mental health disorders, particularly ones as rare as agoraphobia. Basinger's spokeswoman, Annette Wolf, refuted Baldwin's specific remarks about her client's condition, and added that Basinger had been treated for the disorder.

Six years later, Basinger opened up to Vanity Fair about her agoraphobia, revealing that she's found ways to carry on with the condition outside of medication. The outlet noted that Basinger even confronted her fears head-on by going "sky-diving with her teenage daughter." In her own words, Basinger said, "I wanted to face everything I was afraid of." 

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, please contact the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741, call the National Alliance on Mental Illness helpline at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264), or visit the National Institute of Mental Health website.

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