Agoraphobia is a rare form of anxiety disorder. If you have this disorder, your fear can prevent you from going out into the world. You avoid certain places and situations because you think you’ll be trapped and won’t be able to get help.
For example, you may worry or panic when you:
- Public transport (bus, train, boat or plane)
- Large open spaces (car parks, bridges)
- Enclosed spaces (shops, cinemas)
- Crowds or queues
- Out there alone
You may only be willing to go to a few places, or you may even be afraid of leaving home.
Causes and risk factors of agoraphobia
Doctors are not sure yet what causes agoraphobia. They think it runs in the family. If you have frequent panic attacks, you may have this symptom. This is when you feel a sudden fear that lasts for a few minutes. These all occur without real danger.
Less than 1% of people in the United States suffer from agoraphobia. Women are two to three times more likely to develop the condition than men, and it is more common in teenagers and young adults.
Some other things that can increase your chances of developing the disease include:
- Panic disorder, especially if left untreated
- Other phobias
- A family member with agoraphobia
- A history of excessive stress or traumatic events
Agoraphobia Symptoms
If you have agoraphobia and end up in a place that scares you, you may become very anxious or panicked. Physical symptoms may include:
- Heartbeat
- Sweating, shaking, shaking
- Difficulty breathing
- Feeling hot or cold
- Nausea or diarrhea
- chest pain
- hard to swallow
- Dizziness or feeling weak
You may feel:
- You may not survive a panic attack.
- You have no control.
- You will look bad in front of others, or they will stare at you.
- When you go anywhere, you need to be with someone you trust.
You may also have:
-Afraid of staying at home alone
- A general feeling of fear
Agoraphobia Diagnosis
Many of the symptoms caused by agoraphobia are the same as those of other illnesses, such as heart disease, stomach problems, and breathing problems. As a result, you may have to go to the doctor or the emergency room multiple times before you and your doctor figure out what’s going on.
Your doctor may ask:
- Do you find leaving home scary or stressful?
- Are there certain places or situations that you must avoid?
- What happens if you end up stuck in one of these?
They’ll do a physical exam and maybe some tests to rule out other health problems. If they can’t find a physical cause for your symptoms, they may recommend you see a psychiatrist or therapist.
During therapy, you will answer questions about your feelings and behaviors. According to the criteria set by the American Psychiatric Association, you may be diagnosed with agoraphobia if you experience extreme fear or panic in at least two of the following situations:
- being alone outside your home
- In open spaces such as parking lots or shopping malls
- In enclosed spaces such as theaters or small offices
- Queuing or being in a crowd
- On public transport, including airplanes
Treatment of agoraphobia
Your doctor will usually treat agoraphobia with therapy, medication, or a combination of both.
**Cognitive therapy. **Cognitive therapy can teach you new ways to think about or face panic-causing situations and help you reduce your fears. You can also learn relaxation and breathing exercises. Sometimes your therapist may recommend exposure therapy, in which you gradually begin doing things that make you anxious.
**drug. ** Your doctor may recommend a variety of medications to treat agoraphobia, but the most common are antidepressants. Doctors usually start with a low dose of one of these drugs, which increases levels of a ‘feel-good’ chemical in the brain called serotonin. Some medications that help balance serotonin include citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram oxalate (Lexapro), fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), and venlafaxine (Effexor).
You may need to take the medicine for at least 6 months to a year. If you feel better and no longer have stress in the areas you once feared, your doctor may start tapering your medications.
For short-term relief, your doctor may recommend anti-anxiety medications, called benzodiazepines, in addition to antidepressants. These are sedatives that can help relieve symptoms. You may develop a dependence on them, so you should not take them long-term. Always tell your doctor if you have any alcohol or drug abuse problems.
**Alternative therapies. ** Applied relaxation is a series of exercises that help you notice when you start to feel tense and learn how to relax your muscles and relieve tension. Typically one-hour sessions are required each week for 12 to 15 weeks.
Other alternative therapies that may help include breathing exercises and meditation.
**Lifestyle changes. ** It can help with regular exercise and healthy eating. Avoid caffeine and alcohol. They can make your symptoms worse.
Outlook on Agoraphobia
The right combination of medication and therapy can help control agoraphobia and make living with it easier. A few more things to remember:
- Ask for help when needed. Family and friends can help you overcome your fears, and support groups can connect you with others who are going through the same thing.
- Manage anxiety and stress. Talk to your therapist about ways to calm yourself down and find relaxation techniques that work for you.
- Follow your doctor’s instructions. It is important to take your medication as directed and keep your treatment appointments. Stay in touch with your medical team so they can do their best to serve you.
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