What is Agoraphobia?
Agoraphobia is a form of anxiety disorder in which a person fears and avoids places or circumstances that could make them feel stuck, helpless, or ashamed. You have a fear of a situation that is real or imagined, such as taking public transportation, being in an enclosed or open area, waiting in line, or being among a lot of people.
Agoraphobics frequently struggle to feel secure in any crowded place, particularly in areas where large groups gather. You might think you need a buddy or family to accompany you when you go out in public. You could feel unable to leave your home due to fear, which can be extremely overwhelming.
What causes Agoraphobia?
The exact cause of agoraphobia is unknown. It is, however, frequently linked to an existing panic disorder. There is no known cause of the short, severe panic attacks that characterize the panic disorder. Agoraphobia is a symptom of panic disorder in about one-third of individuals. Agoraphobia can, however, also happen by itself.
Agoraphobia affects less than 1% of Americans. It is more prevalent in teenagers and young adults and affects women two to three times more frequently than males.
What are the symptoms of Agoraphobia?
Everyone occasionally feels anxious. However, excessive worry brought on by an anxiety illness interferes with regular activities. You may avoid situations as a result of your intense dread and stress brought on by agoraphobia.
The following are some common agoraphobia symptoms:
- Leaving home by myself
- throngs of people or lines
- enclosed areas, like theaters, escalators, or small shops
- Open areas like parking lots, bridges, or shopping centers
- using a bus, a plane, or a train as a mode of public transportation
How is Agoraphobia diagnosed?
Many of the symptoms of agoraphobia are also present in other medical diseases, such as heart illness, stomach problems, and breathing difficulties. Therefore, it may take multiple visits to the doctor or emergency department for you and your doctor to determine the true cause.
Your doctor might ask as follows:
- Do you have anxiety when leaving your home?
- Do you avoid any places or circumstances because you are afraid? Why do you feel fear?
- Do you rely on others to run your tasks and grocery shopping?
Based on your symptoms, how frequently they occur, and how severe they are, a medical professional can determine whether you have agoraphobia. It’s critical to be upfront and truthful with your healthcare providers. If you meet particular criteria specified by the American Psychiatric Association, your doctor may make the diagnosis of agoraphobia. If a person has significant fear or panic in at least two of the following circumstances, they are said to have agoraphobia.
- alone outside of your home
- in an open area, such as a parking lot or shopping center
- in a small office or theater that is enclosed
- in a queue or throng
- utilizing public transit, such as on airplanes
How is Agoraphobia treated?
Treatment for agoraphobia typically combines therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes.
Therapy. You can learn new ways to approach or think about panic-inducing events through cognitive therapy, which can make you feel less anxious. Additionally, you could study breathing and relaxation techniques. Your therapist could occasionally recommend exposure treatment, in which you begin to do some of the activities that make you uneasy little by little.
Your healthcare professional could ask you to visualize a scary scenario and learn to control your emotions through relaxation and desensitization strategies. You will eventually be able to engage in anxiety-provoking activities and you will learn how to control your emotions. Therapy can eventually teach the brain new ways to think.
You can control your agoraphobia by adjusting your lifestyle:
- Avoid using drugs, alcohol, and caffeine (coffee, tea, and soda, for example).
- Consume a nutritious, balanced diet.
- Regular exercise
- Exercise your breathing.
see full list of Phobias.