Agoraphobia is a type of anxiety disorder and those who suffer from it fear real or anticipated situations in which they could have a panic attack or feel trapped, helpless or even embarrassed. Those who have been diagnosed with agoraphobia may suffer from it after having one or more panic attacks, so they avoid places where it can happen again.
Agoraphobics avoid crowds or being in a public place or open spaces with people such as busy streets. The fear can be so overwhelming that it is common for them to feel like they can’t leave the house. Only in it do they feel safe. It is a disorder that affects women more than men and usually manifests itself between the ages of 25 and 30.
Causes of agoraphobia
Learning experiences and others
There are various factors that can influence the development of agoraphobia such as:
– Anxious or nervous temperament.
– Environmental stress.
– Learning experiences.
– Have panic disorder or other phobias.
– Response of strong fear or avoidance to panic attacks.
– Experiencing stressful events such as an attack, abuse or the death of a parent.
– Have a blood relative with agoraphobia.
– Depression.
– Drug or alcohol abuse.
– Other mental health disorders.
Agoraphobics fear that they will not be able to escape or find help from a panic attack or that they will experience disabling or embarrassing symptoms.
The types of agoraphobia are:
– Panic disorder with agoraphobia.
– Agoraphobia without history of panic disorder.
– Panic disorder without agoraphobia.
Symptoms of agoraphobia
Disproportionate fear or anxiety
Agoraphobics may feel anticipatory anxiety and develop defensive behaviors and avoid:
– Leave the house alone.
– Crowds or waiting in a line.
– Closed spaces, such as cinemas, elevators or small stores.
– Open spaces, such as busy streets, parking lots, bridges or trains.
– Use public transportation.
– Have significant problems or distress at work, social situations, or times and situations that produce disproportionate fear or anxiety.
Diagnosis of agoraphobia
Interview
The disorder must be at least six months old and before reaching a diagnosis, several interviews with a psychiatric specialist may be necessary to evaluate the symptoms in addition to a physical examination and other tests such as a blood test or imaging tests to rule out other causes.
The psychiatrist may ask to speak with close people such as family and friends to find out about behavioral changes and obsessions in the patient, such as avoiding driving, going to cinemas, theaters, supermarkets, stores, using the elevator, using public transportation, being away from home, exercise, participate in discussions, dance…
Attention will also be paid to defensive behaviors such as always demanding to be accompanied by a trusted person, an animal, carrying calming objects, smoking, drinking, shopping at specific times or always having control of a health center or hospital.
Agoraphobia treatment and medication
Psychotherapy and medication
Treatment against agoraphobia is long-term. It includes a psychotherapy program that, in addition to knowing the factors that lead to crises, usually includes confrontation therapy to confront and tolerate the symptoms that trigger them. The objective is to gradually reduce anxiety and achieve desensitization by safely facing, without fear or anxiety, the places and situations that caused the crises.
In addition to psychotherapy, treatment is usually prescribed with antidepressants such as fluoxetine and sertraline and, on limited occasions, benzodiazepines as sedatives.
Prevention of agoraphobia
Without prevention
There are no specific measures to avoid agoraphobia, but if you feel irrational fears or strong anxiety in certain situations, it is recommended to consult with a professional as soon as possible.
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