Agoraphobia is a social anxiety disorder which is characterized by a person’s fear of fear. People who are suffering from this condition tend to avoid circumstances which offer no means of escape. They avoid unfamiliar places, especially large, open spaces such as malls, markets, airports and so on…

The main causes of agoraphobia are unknown but it is linked to such as generalized anxiety disorder, stressful environment and even substance abuse. The chronic use of tranquilizers and sleeping pills such as benzodiapines can exacerbate by setting up a dependency on the drugs. Fortunately all natural and safe alternative agoraphobia treatment is available.

Research has also shown that people who suffer from agoraphobia experience frequent panic attacks and this becomes another excuse for their withdrawal from social interaction.

Symptoms of agoraphobia

Apart from the excessive worry about having a panic attack, people who have agoraphobia manifests the following:

1) Fear of being alone in crowded places
2) Fear of losing control in a public place
3) Fear of being in places where it might be hard to leave such as an elevator or a train
4) Sense of helplessness
5) Overdependence on others, and the fear to leave the house for long periods
6) Symptoms of a panic attack including: rapid heart rate, flushing, chest pain, trouble breathing, dizziness, nausea and excessive sweating

Is there a need to see a doctor?

Agoraphobia is a serious medical condition and can affect the ability to socialize, work or even attend to the details of daily life. Apart from adversely affecting the quality of your life it impacts also on the lives of friends and family.

Those who suffer from agoraphobia feel like a prisoner in their own home. They will often anticipate panic attacks and as a result more often than not, they have one when they venture out of their “safe zone”. It is actually a vicious cycle and the number of places they can go to become fewer and fewer.

Because it limits a person’s activities, it can lead to anxiety and depression. Some people with agoraphobia turn to substance abuse in order to cope with fear, guilt, hopelessness and isolation. Without agoraphobia treatment, overcoming depression and preventing panic attacks becomes even more difficult.

What can you do?

The fear and embarrassment caused by the disorder makes it difficult to consult a professional. For starters, here are some of the things that can be done:

1) Write down the symptoms you are experiencing
2) Write down any life changing events you have experienced, anything that could have caused significant stress
3) List down any physical and mental health conditions you have been diagnosed
4) If consulting a physician ask a trusted family member to be present. This way, you get the support you need as well as another person to remember information you might have missed or forgotten.
5) Write down questions you want to ask so you can make the most of your appointments.