What is Agoraphobia?

Agoraphobia denotes anxiety or fear of being in situations where escape might be difficult or where no one would be able to help one during emergencies.

Many people assume agoraphobia is just a fear of open spaces, but it's a much more complex condition. Due to fear and anxiety, individuals with agoraphobia tend to avoid new places and unfamiliar situations, such as:

• Very open or very isolated spaces.
• Crowds
• Outside their homes.
• Public transportation.

How common is agoraphobia?

Researchers do not know what causes agoraphobia. It has tended to occur with an existing panic disorder: panic disorder manifests itself as a series of sudden and intense attacks of apprehension. Nearly a third of those with panic disorder also develop agoraphobia. However, agoraphobia can occur without any panic diagnosis.

What are the symptoms of agoraphobia?

Symptoms of agoraphobia may include:

• Having panic attacks.
• Leaving home unaccompanied.
• Enclosed are places like the cinema, elevator, and small shops.
• Open spaces, like parking lots, bridges, or malls.
• Using public transportation, including a bus, plane, or train.

All these situations put you in a situation where you feel anxious as if you can't escape or call for help when you start feeling panicky for certain types of symptoms that may be similar to other symptoms, such as dizziness, fainting, falling, or running when you might feel like you have other symptoms.

In addition:

• Your fear or anxiety appears to be entirely out of proportion to the actual threat posed by the situation.
• You are avoiding the situation, you need a companion to go with you, or you endure the situation but are extremely upset.
• The fear or anxiety has greatly disturbed your life by interfering with social situations, jobs, or other aspects of your life.

Usually, your fear and avoidance last six months or longer.

What causes agoraphobia?

Agoraphobia is usually associated with panic disorder, an anxiety disorder characterized by recurrent panic attacks and episodes of intense fear. It often develops when panic attacks become linked with specific places or situations, which are then avoided.

Not all patients with agoraphobia have a history of panic attacks, and their fears may include crime, terrorism, illness, or being involved in an accident.

What are the risk factors for agoraphobia?

Risk factors for the development of agoraphobia include:

• Experiencing panic attacks.
• Overreacting with fear and anxiety reaction toward panic attacks.
• Having other specific phobias.
• Undergoing a stressful or traumatic life event, such as the loss of a loved one, and assault or abuse, especially during childhood.
• Proclivity toward anxiety or other anxiety disorders.
• Family history of agoraphobia.

How is agoraphobia diagnosed?

Agoraphobia is not that common and triggers symptoms similar to other health conditions. Your doctor, therefore, may not be in a position to diagnose you directly.

Your doctor may have to do the following in a bid to rule out other medical conditions.

• Give you a physical examination and ask about all of your symptoms.
• Take some blood to check for other health problems that cause anxiety.
• Run tests to check the health of your heart.
• Check your lungs or airways for breathing problems.
• Ask for your entire physical and mental health history.
• There isn't a single test for agoraphobia. If your regular doctor can't find a physical cause for your symptoms, they may ask how your anxieties affect your daily life.

Be prepared to answer questions such as:

• Are you afraid to leave your house because of overwhelming anxiety?
• Do you avoid certain places or situations out of fear?
• How do you feel when you end up somewhere that scares you?
• Does your anxiety interfere with your ability to work, travel, or have relationships?

Talking about your feelings, emotions, and personal life can sometimes be difficult, but try not to feel anxious or embarrassed. Your GP needs to know as much as possible about your symptoms to make the correct diagnosis and recommend the most appropriate treatment.

What are some possible treatments for agoraphobia?

Treating usually results in various approaches taken, which include:

• Psychotherapy (talk therapy).
• Medications.
• Lifestyle modifications.

Psychotherapy

A psychotherapist can help you discuss your fears. Using a mental health provider who helps you understand your thoughts using cognitive behavioural therapy, the therapist will assist you in identifying what is making you feel anxious. You then learn ways to respond better.

You would imagine a scary situation with the help of relaxation and desensitization techniques, and you would be made to manage the feelings. Finally, you would be in a position to participate in activities that cause anxiety, and you would know how to cope with your emotions. In time, therapy can condition your brain to think and react in other ways.

Medications

Your doctor may also prescribe medications called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). These can help with depression and anxiety disorders.

Lifestyle changes

The following lifestyle changes may also help you manage agoraphobia:

• Avoid alcohol, caffeine and other substances.
• Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet.
• Exercise regularly.
• Practice breathing exercises.

How do I learn to tolerate agoraphobia?

Take care of yourself, take your medications as prescribed by your physician and practice techniques you learn from your therapist. Avoid any situations and places that make you anxious, but instead, do the opposite of avoiding that situation or place. The combination will make it easier to participate in activities or situations that typically evoke less fear and even facilitate participation in those activities.

When to see a doctor?

Agoraphobia can really make your social life, work life, significant life events, and even the simple tasks of daily living challenging - like running your errands.

Seek medical assistance from your health care provider or refer to a mental health professional if you're suffering panic attacks or show signs of agoraphobia. Don't allow fear to shrink your world.

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