Agoraphobia

Find a counsellor dealing with Agoraphobia >>

Individuals suffering from agoraphobia often fear open spaces, crowds, public places and/or travelling alone. Sufferers fear having a panic attack if they find themselves in any of these situations and may then avoid unfamiliar/public places where they perceive they have little control.

Those suffering from agoraphobia may also have other psychological problems too, including depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder and social phobia. Many individuals (but not all) suffering from agoraphobia may also suffer from panic disorder, which has developed into agoraphobia.

Agoraphobia appears to be more common in females than males (however this may be due to fewer males seeking help) and usually begins in the individuals late 20’s. The severity of agoraphobia varies greatly; some people cope well if they stick to routine and familiarity, however some people may try to avoid feared situations which results in the problem becoming worse. In severe cases, sufferers may become confined to their own homes to avoid the anxiety associated with not feeling in control. However, treatment is available and often helps individuals understand their feelings and how to cope with them.

Symptoms

Common symptoms for sufferers include:

shaking

sweating

chest pain

fear of dying

dizziness

difficulty breathing

feelings of choking

nausea

fear of losing control

fast heart beat

Cause

There is no known cause of agoraphobia and it may just start suddenly or develop over time. It’s important to seek help for agoraphobia as it may continue for many years if untreated and cause unnecessary distress. Some research suggests agoraphobia runs in families, however it is not clear if this is due to a genetic link or not. More ...

Treatment

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is a common treatment for agoraphobia, as it helps individuals understand their anxiety and helps them to relearn ways to deal with situations. Psychotherapy and talking about experiences is often vital to overcoming anxiety and for this reason, group therapy may help too. Sometimes drug treatments are available that act on levels of serotonin in the brain. More ...

--
All content displayed on Counselling Directory is provided for general information only, and should not be treated as a substitute for the advice given by any professional.