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Agoraphobia is an anxiety disorder characterized by the fear and evasion of circumstances where escape may be harrowing. A person suffering from this disorder often hates leaving the safety of their own home, as they have a massive fear of going out into open or crowded areas. They may also feel incredibly anxious if they can’t seek help if something goes wrong.
Some known fears and anxieties include open spaces, traveling via public transportation, leaving their home, or going into a shopping mall. People with agoraphobia try to avoid specific places or situations that may cause them to be put in danger (in their eyes) or make them feel trapped and helpless.
They find it challenging to feel safe in a crowded area, and if they go to public places, they must go with a trusted friend to avoid their overwhelming fear of disaster or embarrassment. This is why many people with agoraphobia often choose never to leave their homes. Unfortunately, the more they stay in their home, the worse their condition can become.
Agoraphobia is the fear of being out in the open and feeling vulnerable to the world. It is an actual condition that can trigger severe anxiety and panic attacks and, therefore, needs therapy and treatment.
What Causes Agoraphobia
Agoraphobia may develop as a complication of an anxiety disorder known as panic disorder. This typically involves overwhelming and intense fear that induces panic attacks.
Inherited genes and specific health conditions may trigger and worsen agoraphobia. Environmental stressors also have a role to play in it, including temperament and experiences. A traumatic incident may be enough to contribute to the development of agoraphobia.
Symptoms and Signs of Agoraphobia
These are common signs and symptoms of a person who has agoraphobia. They include the following:
- Fear of leaving home. They find it difficult to walk out their front door.
- The anxiety and fear of being alone in a public area.
- The fear of finding themselves surrounded by many people. Crowds are frightening to them.
- Being in an open area, especially if they feel that no help is available if they need it.
- Fear of being stuck in an elevator or small space.
- Taking public transportation can be terrifying to them.
Exposure to these situations is enough for people with agoraphobia to trigger a panic attack. Even if there is no reason for them to feel scared or anxious, their anxious feelings and thoughts will cause them significant distress.
Women tend to be diagnosed with agoraphobia more than men, although many men suffer. This condition may develop in childhood but typically in the younger adult years.
Treatment for Agoraphobia
Agoraphobia is an anxiety disorder that needs early treatment to keep symptoms from escalating and worsening. The longer agoraphobia stays untreated, the harder it is to manage. This condition can significantly affect a person’s life, making it very difficult to function normally. It can make completing simple everyday tasks and errands nearly impossible to accomplish.
Diagnosed with agoraphobia begins by closely looking at the typical signs and symptoms in behavior. A licensed mental health physician will be responsible for diagnosing a patient with agoraphobia. A physical exam will help rule out any physical health conditions, and an in-depth interview with your physician or mental health specialist will be part of the diagnosis.
The most effective treatment for agoraphobia includes psychotherapy. In some cases where the need is recognized, taking medications as prescribed by the doctor will be necessary. Treatment for agoraphobia may consist of antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications.
Alternative medicine may also prove helpful, and some may bring similar results to prescription drugs. Whatever medicines, natural or prescription, are taken as part of the treatment should always be discussed with your health professional. Treatment must be taken with safety measures in place to avoid further escalating the symptoms.
DISCLAIMER: All content on this website is presented solely for educational and informational objectives. Do not rely on the information provided as a replacement for advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified medical expert. If you are pregnant, nursing, or have any preexisting medical concerns, talk to your doctor before using any herbal or natural medicines.
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