Andre
Agoraphobia is an anxiety disorder that makes you avoid places or situations where you feel trapped, panicked, helpless, scared, and embarrassed. If you are agoraphobic, you are prone to panic attacks whenever you are in a stressful situation.
However, people often misconstrued agoraphobia for fear of open spaces. But the condition is more complicated than that. Crowd areas, bridges, public transport, and remote areas are some of the places that could trigger agoraphobia.
People who have agoraphobia always feel unable to leave their homes. Sometimes, the condition may affect their daily lives.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), about 0.8 percent of American adults are agoraphobic. And 40% of this population has a more severe case. To some people, agoraphobia is normal, but when it’s advanced, it could be disabling.
Surprisingly, if you have agoraphobia, you will realize that your fear is irrational. But you won’t be able to do anything about it. An unchecked agoraphobia could affect your relationship, productivity at work, and performance at school.
Symptoms of Agoraphobia
Some of the common symptoms of agoraphobia are;
- The fear of leaving home alone
- The fear of crowds waiting in line
- Irrational fear of enclosed places like movie theaters, elevators, small stores, etc.
- The fear of using public transportation like bus, plane, and train
- Fast pounding heart
- Trembling, shaking, and sweating
- Breathing problems
- Feeling hot or cold
- Nausea
- Fear of dying
- Chest pain
- Dizziness
Causes of Agoraphobia
Experts haven’t been able to ascertain the exact cause of agoraphobia. However, here are some factors that could increase your risk of developing agoraphobia:
History of Physical or Sexual Abuse:
If you have been physically and sexually abused in the past, you are prone to developing agoraphobia. However, if you start experiencing any of the symptoms, it’s advisable to discuss it with your doctor.
Depression
People with depression are at higher risk of developing agoraphobia. However, treating depression will reduce some of the symptoms of agoraphobia.
Other Phobias
Generally, some of these phobias are interrelated. And once you develop one, you can trigger others. In other words, one phobia begets another. So, if you are battling with any phobia, try to treat it before it starts other ones.
Substance Abuse
Anybody who abuses substances like alcohol or drugs is at higher risk of developing agoraphobia.
Family History of Agoraphobia
If you have a history of agoraphobia in your family, you tend to develop the condition. So, always visit the doctor whenever you experience any symptoms of agoraphobia.
According to statistical reports, more women have agoraphobia than men. And the condition usually starts during early adulthood.
How do You Diagnose Agoraphobia?
Agoraphobia doesn’t have any special diagnosis process. Your doctor will diagnose you based on the symptoms and signs you are experiencing. The doctor may also want to know when you start having the symptoms and how often you experience. Depending on your condition’s severeness, your doctor may ask you specific questions regarding your family and medical history.
However, your doctor may not just arrive at a decision based on his interaction with you. He may carry out blood tests to confirm some details.
Furthermore, your healthcare provider may not diagnose agoraphobia if your symptoms are due to substance abuse and other illness.
What are the Treatment Options for Agoraphobia?
Sometimes, the best way to treat agoraphobia is to use a combination of treatment methods. Here are some of the treatment options for agoraphobia:
Therapy
Therapy is one of the treatment options for this anxiety disorder. It includes psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and exposure therapy.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy involves regularly discussing your fears and any other issues triggering agoraphobia with a therapist or health professional.
It’s an effective short-term method for treating this anxiety disorder. However, this method is more effective when you combine it with medications.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is an effective treatment method for agoraphobia. It helps people to understand the feelings and views associated with this anxiety disorder.
During a cognitive behavioral therapy session, your therapist or doctor will teach you how to handle stressful situations proactively and how you can focus more on healthy thoughts. With this approach, you will have a sense of control over your life.
Exposure Therapy
Exposure therapy is designed to help people overcome fear. This therapy exposes you to the situation or fear itself. Interestingly, your worst fear tends to diminish when you are exposed to it over time.
Medications
The use of medication is a common treatment option for agoraphobia. But it’s more effective if you combine them with therapy.
Some of the common medications that could relieve your of this anxiety disorder and panic attacks are;
- Alprazolam (Xanax), clonazepam, and other anti-anxiety medications can help to relieve agoraphobia.
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors like; paroxetine (Paxil) or fluoxetine (Prozac).
- Selective serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors like; venlafaxine, duloxetine.
- Tricyclic antidepressants like nortriptyline and amitriptyline
Lifestyle Changes
Let me be sincere with you. Lifestyle changes may not actually treat agoraphobia. But they may help to reduce the anxiety that comes with it.
Here are some lifestyle changes that can help you reduce anxiety;
- Regular exercises: when you exercise regularly, it will boost the production of the brain chemicals that trigger happiness.
- Regular intake of a healthy diet containing grains, vegetables, and lean protein improves your overall well being.
- Try to engage in daily medication or deep breathing exercises. This will help to reduce anxiety and prevent possible panic attacks.
Again, try to avoid taking dietary supplements or herbs when treating agoraphobia. Even though they are effective, there’s no evidence that they can treat anxiety. And they could make the prescribed medication you are taking less effective.
Unlike what most people think, it’s sometimes impossible to prevent agoraphobia. However, early treatment of related symptoms will go a long way to help.
So, whenever you experience any of the symptoms of this anxiety disorder, seek help immediately. The agoraphobia treatment process is a bit easier and faster when you start early. This anxiety disorder is debilitating and could make you unproductive.
There’s currently no cure for this anxiety disorder. But its treatment can relieve your symptoms and possibly improve your quality of life.
