Agoraphobia

About this topic

Agoraphobia is often described as a strong fear or anxiety illness. With this illness, you may be afraid of being in certain places or events. You may stay away from places where you are not able to see the way out, like a mall or a bus. Some people are afraid of leaving their home. Being in a strange place may make you feel panic and very nervous. ‚
Your care involves changing the way you think. A doctor can help you cope with this illness. You may need to meet with a doctor many times to help you learn the skills to manage your illness. ‚

What are the causes?

There is not often just one cause for this complex illness. Many people start with a panic attack or feeling very nervous in some events or place. Later, they start to worry about having those same feelings return. This fear causes the feelings to return when they are in a like event or place. Things that may start these feelings are: ‚

Being left alone
Places where they had a panic attack before
Places or events where they feel trapped, like in elevators or closets
Being away from home
Places that are unfamiliar
Being in big crowded places alone

Doctors also believe that there may be other causes for this illness. Your body may not have a normal level of hormones. You may not respond to stress in the same way that others do. This may be a result of chemicals in your brain. The part of your brain that is in charge of fear may be working too well. You may also have problems judging where you are in relation to others. Each of these may be a cause of a panic attack. ‚

What are the main signs?

A person may feel these during a panic attack: ‚

Fast heartbeat
Sweating
Feeling hot
Loose stools
Upset stomach
Feeling shaky
Faintness

How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?

Doctors diagnose this illness by taking your history. Your doctor may also do an exam to make sure that you are in good health. ‚
The doctor will talk with you about: ‚

When and where your illness starts
Events or places where your agoraphobia appears
If you have had any recent traumatic events

How does the doctor treat this health problem?

Doctors may give drugs to help your illness. The doctor may also send you for talk therapy. This may help you learn more about yourself and how you think. Your doctor may suggest you: ‚

Learn about your illness and how to cope with it. This is often done with cognitive therapy.
Talk about your feelings, experiences, and fantasies. This is often done with interpersonal therapy.
Work to clear up conflicts and learn more about them. This is often done with psychodynamic therapy.
Include your family or friends in your care. This is done with family therapy.
Learn ways to relax.

Are there other health problems to treat?

You may also have concerns about your mood, feelings of panic, or other anxiety illness. Some people also have a substance or alcohol abuse illness. ‚

What lifestyle changes are needed?

Exercise often. This may help lower stress.
Stay away from alcohol and illegal drug use.

What drugs may be needed?

The doctor may order drugs to: ‚

Improve your mood
Manage the electrical activity in your brain
Calm and relax you

Will there be any other care needed?

Your doctor may give you drugs to manage your signs. Take your drugs as ordered by your doctor.
Try to use what you have learned after your therapy. Be sure to do any homework like having chats with family or friends. Do this as soon as possible after you get home.
Your doctor may teach you some ways to relax. These will help to calm you if you have a panic attack.
Do not miss your therapy sessions. Your therapist might agree to go to your place for your sessions. Keep a calendar to keep track of your therapy sessions.
Tell your friends and loved ones about your illness. Talk with them about how they can help.

What can be done to prevent this health problem?

Try going to a place beforehand. You may have an important event in a certain place and feel nervous about it. Try going to that place ahead of time and practicing the skills you have learned in therapy.
If you feel nervous about something, ask your doctor for help.

Helpful tips

If you start to feel the signs of agoraphobia, remember to breathe slowly. Focus on your goals. Go over what you learned during your therapy sessions.
Try to fight anxious thoughts before they in fact take over your feelings.

Where can I learn more?

Anxiety and Depression Association of America ‚
http://www.adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/panic-disorder-agoraphobia ‚
NHS Choices ‚
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Agoraphobia/Pages/Introduction.aspx ‚

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚

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