Agoraphobia, The Facts

Agoraphobia is an anxiety state which affects a significant proportion of the population. One person in fifty will suffer from this disorder in their lifetime and sufferers are twice as likely to be female with the problem frequently developing in their early twenties onwards.

There is a common belief that agoraphobia is a fear of 'open places' due to the Greek origin of the word 'agora' which means  'market'  however, this distressing condition encompasses all kinds of other places and situations from public places such as shops and theatres to private dwellings  and confined areas such as lifts where the sufferer feels vulnerable and separated from their own 'comfort zone'.

Very often agoraphobia begins with an isolated panic attack when they may suffer sudden and intense panic and some or all of the following symptoms:  trembling limbs, dizziness, nausea and hyperventilation.

Sometimes it can develop as a result of a traumatic event which  leads to an overwhelming dread of repeating the same experience. This results in the sufferer going to any lengths to avoid that place or situation in case the same incident happens again.

Varying degrees of agoraphobia

The build-up of more stress - literally 'fearing fear' itself often causes more attacks in more places and situations and therefore the problem begins to escalate.

The severity of this problem varies with each agoraphobic. Some lead relatively normal lifestyles, work, have a social life because they are able to avoid the stressful places or situations which bring on their symptoms.

For many though, the situation becomes so serious that they feel unable to leave their homes, a particular room or even their bed. Some also become reclusive. It can take years to treat some sufferers because their problem has become so entrenched.

Those suffering with agoraphobia will characteristically feel ashamed and demoralised by this feeling of being out of control - or rather the fear of losing control and they believe that they must be 'going out of their mind'.

Many are as a result, reluctant to talk about their problems, even to a GP. In addition, once they do seek help from a medical practitioner, it often takes some time before a correct diagnosis is made whilst other underlying physical causes are (justifiably) eliminated.

In all, it has been known for the final diagnosis:  that a patient has agoraphobia, be arrived at after an average time of twelve months.

Treating agoraphobia

There are several effective forms of treatment to help with agoraphobia falling into both medication and therapeutic categories. Treatment with drugs can give the sufferer confidence to cope with being outside of their usual 'comfort zone'.

There are new medications available which work effectively on a substance called Seratonin in the brain. Some health professionals prefer to prescribe anti-depressants to help patients to feel less anxious.

Cognitive and Behavioural Therapy is a tried and tested means of help whereby the sufferer is shown how to understand and re-structure their thoughts and therefore deal with their symptoms more effectively.

Psychotherapy and group therapy provide an opportunity for mutual support and sharing of problems - so important in getting back on the road to recovery.

Want effective help with your agoraphobia symptoms?

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