Agoraphobia is a type of anxiety disorder in which a person feels fear and anxiety when being away from home, entering a store, using transportation, being in a crowded place, or being in a place/situation from which one cannot easily escape.
causes agoraphobia
There can be several causes of agoraphobia: stress, stressful experiences, genetics, physical health, etc. Genetics, in particular, can play a significant role in agoraphobia, as it can sometimes be passed down through families. This knowledge can empower individuals to be more aware of potential risk factors. Agoraphobia can sometimes develop if a person has a panic attack in a specific situation or environment. Anxiety and fear cause your body to release hormones, such as adrenaline, and your breathing and heart rate are increased. This is your body’s natural way of preparing for a dangerous or stressful situation. Sometimes, a person can develop symptoms of agoraphobia even though they don’t have a history of panic disorder or panic attacks. In terms of prevalence, it is more common in women. It often starts between the ages of 20-25 and also often starts at the age of 35.
Agoraphobia Symptoms
● Panic attacks are a key symptom of agoraphobia, characterized by a range of distressing symptoms such as breathlessness, sweating, dizziness, a rapid heart rate, choking sensations, nausea, and intense feelings of fear or dread. Recognizing these symptoms can help individuals identify and manage panic attacks, a common feature of agoraphobia.
● Being in open spaces
● Anxiety in response to being away from an environment that feels ‘safe’
● Using public transit, such as riding a bus or in a car
● Low self-esteem and loss of self-confidence
● Another symptom of agoraphobia is the anticipation of anxiety when the individual is required to leave their safe environment. This fear of potential panic attacks or distress can further exacerbate the disorder, making it difficult for the individual to venture outside their comfort zone.
Agoraphobia Treatments
Treatment typically includes talk therapy, medication, or both.
Agoraphobia therapies. The most effective treatment for agoraphobia is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) with exposure therapy. This treatment, which has shown promising results, offers hope and optimism to those struggling with agoraphobia. Your therapist will guide you in identifying the triggers of your anxiety or panic attacks and teach you how to manage the physical and emotional symptoms of anxiety. You may also learn relaxation and breathing exercises to empower you in your journey to recovery further.