Agoraphobia

The term agoraphobia is used to describe the feelings of anxiety in certain situations from which it may be hard to escape. This leads to people avoiding certain situations, for example leaving the home alone or driving, or feeling extreme stress when in these situations (often resulting in panic attacks).

Agoraphobia will often occur alongside a panic disorder where sufferers will often fear panic attacks, meaning that their life is hugely affected even if they are not having a panic attack. Other symptoms of agoraphobia include the fear of being alone, a dependence on others, agitation, sweating, dizziness, skin flushing and more. Specific symptoms vary from case to case.

Causes of Agoraphobia

Agoraphobia, like other anxiety disorders, can be caused by a mixture of factors including genetic, psychological traits and experiences in life.

Treatment of Agoraphobia

Treatment will help the sufferer to function properly. Often lives can become disrupted, where people are unable to work or perform tasks such as buying groceries. One behavioural technique used it real-life exposure and learning how to relax in certain situations. This is the most popular treatment option and works in 75% of cases.

Other treatments may also be used such as cognitive behavioural therapy to eliminate negative thought patterns, therapy groups or medication. If the patient has a hard time getting out of the house to visit a therapist there will often be the chance for home visits until the patient feels more confident to leave their home. Once patients experience a reduction in panic attacks they will also usually experience a knock-on effect of no longer fearing panic attacks and certain situations as much.

Patients will often benefit from a combination of therapy techniques, and often ‘talk therapy’ will help the patient face any emotional conflicts that underlie the condition. A combination of treatments is especially useful if the condition exists alongside other emotional disturbances and anxiety.