Agoraphobia

Agoraphobia is an anxiety disorder tied closely together with panic attacks and panic disorder. Agoraphobia is defined as a fear of any location or place where the sufferer may feel confined and unable to escape an embarrassing or difficult situation. An example would be a person who’s had a panic attack on an airplane before and now is fearful of getting on an airplane again due to the association of that negative event.

Agoraphobia is extremely debilitating to sufferers who become fearful of leaving their ‘safety zone’ they have built around their lives. Some people become distressed enough to fear leaving the safety of their own homes. This can lead to a downward spiral of anti-social behavior, isolation, and depression.

Symptoms of agoraphobia include:

Fear Of Being Alone
Fear Of Being In A Confining Space Such As An Elevator, Automobile, or Plane
Fear Of Crowded Places Such As A Sporting Event Or Shopping Center
Fear Of Losing Control In Public Places
Fear Of Leaving One’s Safety Zone
Fear Of Going In Public Without A Companion
Sense Of Helplessness, Dread, Or Fear Of A Future Panic Attack
An Increasing Dependence On Others

In addition to these symptoms sufferers can also simultaneously experience panic attack symptoms such as:

Sudden Feelings Of Fear
Hard To Breathe
Feeling Out Of Control
A Strong Urge To Flee Or Escape The Place Where The Panic Attack Began
A Choking Sensation
Having Trouble Swallowing
Chest Pains Or Racing Heart
A Sudden Fear Of Dying Or Going Crazy
Shaking And Unsteadiness
sweating
Dizziness Or Lightheaded
Feeling The Need To Throw Up

About one third of people with panic disorder develop agoraphobia. However, in rare cases agoraphobia can develop without a history of panic attacks. Typically this can occur after a period of extreme stress, worry, or a traumatic life event. Agoraphobia occurs roughly twice as commonly among women as it does in men.

Treatment of agoraphobia is similar to treatment for panic disorder. Treatment is usually very challenging due to the need to confront ones fears head-on. The three primary categories of treatment are antidepressants, psychotherapy, and natural supplements & coping mechanisms.

Without treatment, this condition usually continues to worsen and the ability to function normally decreases.

By: Opeth

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