In the UK, up to 2 people in have panic disorder. It's thought around a third will go on to develop agoraphobia. Page last reviewed: 18 December Next review due: 18 December Overview - Agoraphobia. Someone with agoraphobia may be scared of: travelling on public transport visiting a shopping centre leaving home If someone with agoraphobia finds themselves in a stressful situation, they'll usually experience the symptoms of a panic attack , such as: rapid heartbeat rapid breathing hyperventilating feeling hot and sweaty feeling sick They'll avoid situations that cause anxiety and may only leave the house with a friend or partner.
What causes agoraphobia? Diagnosing agoraphobia Speak to your GP if you think you may be affected by agoraphobia. Your GP may ask you the following questions: Do you find leaving the house stressful? Are there certain places or situations you have to avoid? Do you have any avoidance strategies to help you cope with your symptoms, such as relying on others to shop for you?
Treating agoraphobia Lifestyle changes may help, including taking regular exercise , eating more healthily , and avoiding alcohol, drugs and drinks that contain caffeine, such as tea, coffee and cola.
If your agoraphobia fails to respond to these treatment methods see your GP. Outlook Around a third of people with agoraphobia eventually achieve a complete cure and remain free from symptoms. How common is agoraphobia? Agoraphobia is twice as common in women as men. It usually starts between the ages of 18 and Cognitive behavioral therapy CBT is the most common form of psychotherapy used to treat people with agoraphobia. CBT can help you understand the distorted feelings and views associated with agoraphobia.
It can also teach you how to work through stressful situations by replacing the distorted thoughts with healthy thoughts, allowing you to regain a sense of control in your life.
Exposure therapy can also help you overcome your fears. This may make your fear diminish over time. You may want to try:. However, early treatment for anxiety or panic disorders may help. With treatment, you have a good chance of getting better. This disorder can be quite debilitating since it prevents you from participating in everyday activities.
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It can refer to a fear of a specific animal or to a fear of all animals. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Panic attacks often precede the onset of agoraphobia. When forced to endure a feared situation, a person may experience a panic attack that causes symptoms including:.
Although many sufferers of agoraphobia will also have panic disorder, it is possible to be diagnosed with agoraphobia without having a history of panic disorder.
However, they generally do not fear to have full-blown panic attacks. Rather, they may be afraid of having some other type of distressing anxiety symptom or other intense physical issues, such as vomiting or having a severe migraine. For instance, the person may be afraid that they will lose control of their bladder in public or faint without any help being available.
Approximately one-third to half of those diagnosed with panic disorder will also develop agoraphobia. However, agoraphobia can emerge earlier in adolescence.
The avoidance behaviors present in agoraphobia differ from the diagnostic criteria of a specific phobia. For instance:. The exact causes of agoraphobia are not known, but there are a number of risk factors that may increase your risk of developing this condition.
These include:. Learned associations can also play a role in the development of agoraphobia. Experiencing a panic attack in a certain situation or setting can lead to a fear that such a reaction will occur again in the future.
Your doctor will assess your symptoms and check for any underlying medical conditions that might be causing your symptoms. You may be asked about your medical history and you will be asked about the nature, duration, and severity of your anxiety symptoms. The symptoms must also not be better explained by another medical or mental condition. If a person does develop agoraphobia with panic disorder, symptoms typically begin to occur within the first year that the person starts having recurring and persistent panic attacks.
Agoraphobia can get worse if left untreated. For the best outcomes in managing agoraphobia and panic symptoms, it is important to seek treatment as soon as symptoms arise. Treatment options typically include a combination of both medication and psychotherapy. The treatment process may include some systematic desensitization , in which the person gradually confronts avoided situations with the support and guidance of their therapist.
Some research has shown that integrating exposure therapy with psychodynamic treatment has been beneficial in panic disorder with agoraphobia. Many times, the person will fare better in facing their fears if accompanied by a trusted friend. Medications may also be prescribed to help manage certain symptoms of agoraphobia. In addition to seeking help from a mental health professional, there are also lifestyle changes that can help you to better manage the symptoms of agoraphobia.
Through the support of family and friends and professional help, a person who is struggling with agoraphobia can begin to manage their condition. Through medication and psychotherapy, a person with agoraphobia can expect to eventually experience fewer panic attacks, fewer avoidance behaviors, and a return to a more independent and active life.
For more mental health resources, see our National Helpline Database. Learn the best ways to manage stress and negativity in your life. National Institute of Mental Health.
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