Agoraphobia: Types, Causes, Symptoms & Treatment You might be aware of the term phobia. The literal meaning of the term is “fear,” and when used as a suffix with another word, it describes a specific kind of fear. Agoraphobia is the fear of places or situations wherein a person experiences panic, fear of being trapped, helpless, or embarrassed. Therefore, an agoraphobic person tends to avoid these kinds of situations. It is a form of anxiety disorder that can also lead to panic attacks. If you also get similar feelings of being overwhelmed in situations or feel stuck in situations with no escape, then here is a helpful guide for you. This explains the types, causes, and symptoms of Agoraphobia, including the most effective treatment for Anxiety Disorder. What Is Agoraphobia? Understanding The Term
Agoraphobia can be defined as a mental and behavioral disorder that can cause intense panic or anxiousness about being overwhelmed or unable to escape or get help. Therefore, a person suffering from this fear often tends to avoid new places or unfamiliar situations. Some of these situations are: ● Getting exposed to big crowds. ● Using public transportation. ● Stepping outside the home. ● Large, widespread areas or enclosed spaces. What Are Different Types Of Agoraphobia? There are different types of Agoraphobia that include fearing and avoiding places or situations in order to avoid anxious panic attacks. Different forms are: 1. Paranoid Agoraphobia This situation is a combination of two different feelings, which are paranoia and Agoraphobia. Paranoia can make someone develop a false belief or excessively focus on true things, thereby evoking the feeling of being threatened or endangered. On the contrary, Agoraphobia is an extreme fear of stepping out of your comfort zone and being stuck in an inevitably overwhelming feeling. 2. Claustrophobia Claustrophobia is a fear of small and confined spaces. It makes a person anxious about small spaces that can make one feel confined or trapped. It is a common condition, and this agoraphobia treatment is also not complex. 3. Disorganized Agoraphobia Disorganized Agoraphobia can distort your sense of balance and can hamper the coordination between different senses. Thus, it makes a person feel unstable and can create severe panic. The person suffering it struggles to maintain mental and physical balance. 4. Catatonic Agoraphobia
Catatonic Agoraphobia can cause an inability to speak or walk in an ordinary manner in a situation of fear. This anxiety disorder can be experienced in various instances, such as picking up a jar, driving across the bridge, or carrying out a dangerous task. 5. Enochlophobia It is a form of social phobia, which indicates an irrational fear of the large crowd. This condition is more prominently seen in women as compared to men. The person can develop anxiety in events with large gatherings, such as concerts, sports events, etc. What Promotes Agoraphobia In Individuals? Possible Causes The exact reason for Agoraphobia is yet to be confirmed. However, there are multi-faceted factors that can increase the risk of developing panic disorder with Agoraphobia. Some of the common factors are: ● When there is a history of Agoraphobia in the family members. ● Substance abuse can also evoke this mental disorder. ● The one who has suffered physical or sexual abuse is likely to develop Agoraphobia. ● Generalized anxiety disorder or obsessive-compulsive disorder can also put someone at risk of developing it. ● Depression, social phobia, or claustrophobia are some other factors responsible for Agoraphobia. What Are Some Of The Apparent Agoraphobia Symptoms? Some of the common Agoraphobia symptoms include: ● Hyperventilation ● Fear of humiliation ● Fear of a panic attack ● Nausea ● Dizziness ● Feeling a loss of control ● Anxiety ● Depression
What Is The Best Agoraphobia Treatment? There are several ways for treating anxiety disorders, such as Agoraphobia. Some of the effective treatments are: 1. Psychotherapy (Talk Therapy) Psychotherapy is an effective agoraphobia therapy wherein a therapist can help you ease the signs of this anxiety disorder. It includes cognitive behavioral therapy, which lets them determine what is causing their anxiety. Thus, you can address those reasons and deal with this disorder more efficiently. The treatment technique includes relaxation and desensitization, wherein the therapist asks you to imagine your scary thoughts in a secure environment so that you can effectively manage your feelings. 2. Agoraphobia Medication Sometimes, medication is also recommended for the treatment of Agoraphobia. The recommended medicines may include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). They are proven to be effective in the treatment of anxiety and depression. 3. Lifestyle Tweaks Some lifestyle changes can also help you work through your condition, as stated in the list: ● Quitting the abuse of substances, such as alcohol, caffeine, and several others. ● Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a good diet and better sleep quality. ● Regular exercising can also help. ● Quit smoking and practicing breathing exercises. In Conclusion! Hope you find this all-inclusive post helpful while dealing with the Agoraphobia disorder. You can easily book your session through the contact details listed below. Also, based on your preference, you can either book an online session or an offline session. While the majority of the issues can be addressed through
online therapy, depending on the severity, there might also be a requirement for a physical visit. Also Read: Obsessive Compulsive Disorder vs Anxiety: An Overview Stress Management Tips For Physical and Mental Health