Agoraphobia is an anxiety disorder which is often precipitated by the fear of having a panic attack in a setting from which there is no means of escape. As a result, sufferers of agoraphobia may avoid public and unfamiliar places. In severe cases, the sufferer may become confined to his or her home, experiencing difficulty traveling away from familiar settings.
Triggers for this condition may include wide open spaces, crowds or traveling to even short distances. This anxiety is often compounded by a fear of social embarrassment, as the agoraphobic fears the onset of a panic attack and appearing distressed or troubled in public. Agoraphobia often accompanies another anxiety disorder, such panic disorder or another specific phobia. Some of the symptoms of agoraphobia are fear of being alone, fear of losing control in a public place, fear of being in places where escape might be difficult and becoming housebound for prolonged periods of time.
Agoraphobia typically develops as a result of having panic disorder. In a small minority of cases, however, agoraphobia can develop by itself without being triggered by the onset of panic attacks. Panic disorder without agoraphobia is the unexpected and recurrent panic attacks. Sometimes attacks happen everyday, then sometime once every few months. Some attacks may be long and some may be short. These attacks come when they feel like it, giving the person great apprehension about the next attack. Panic disorder with agoraphobia is an anxiety disorder where there are repeated attacks of intense fear and anxiety. In these cases, agoraphobia occurs in more than a third of the people who have it.
Treatment for agoraphobia usually includes a combination of medication and psychotherapy. Treatment is often successful and agoraphobia can be overcome and kept under control. Medications include antidepressants and anti-anxiety medicines to include Prozac, Paxil and Zoloft. There is no actual cure for agoraphobia, but medications and therapy can greatly reduce and eliminate agoraphobia. Treatment of agoraphobia can vary in length of time, but is usually effective.
There are many books written on overcoming agoraphobia and can greatly help you to reduce your attacks. Panic disorder and agoraphobia can both be treated successfully with the help of your therapist or doctor. Be Well!
