» Conditions » Anxiety Disorders and Phobias » Agoraphobia
Understanding Agoraphobia
Agoraphobia is commonly referred to as a fear of social situations. People with this phobia feel intense anxiety, often to the point of terror, in open, crowded, or public places and experience panic-like symptoms such as dizziness, vomiting, loss of control, or difficulty breathing. The onset can be either sudden or gradual. Some people who suffer from agoraphobia become so increasingly disabled by their condition they literally will not leave their homes--or if they do venture out, they do so only with great distress or when accompanied by a friend or family member.
From time to time, everyone experiences social situations that make them nervous or afraid. However, when someone has agoraphobia, these normal, passing feelings of nervousness or un-ease can become so overwhelming they eventually disrupt all aspects of daily life. The National Institute of Mental Health estimates that 5.6% of adults develop agoraphobia at some point in their lives. Two-thirds of those suffering from agoraphobia are women.
Symptoms
Symptoms typically develop between the ages of 18 and 35. Most people with agoraphobia develop the disorder after first suffering from one or more spontaneous panic attacks: feelings of intense, overwhelming terror accompanied by symptoms such as sweating, shortness of breath, or faintness while in a social situation.
Early attacks seem to occur randomly and without warning and those who suffer from the disorder often describe it as a never-ceasing "sense of dread." In an attempt to prevent other panic attacks from occurring, the person soon begins to avoid all situations where he or she feels even slightly uncomfortable. Without treatment, agoraphobia usually escalates and persists.
Causes
Agoraphobia is caused by panic disorder that becomes attached specifically to feelings of vulnerability in open, crowded, or public places.
Treating Agoraphobia
Agoraphobia is highly treatable and there are therapists who are especially skilled at helping people who suffer from this condition. The main treatment for agoraphobia is called exposure therapy, which is a form of cognitive therapy. Those who receive therapy for agoraphobia can expect to experience substantial improvement--less anxiety, improved morale, a better quality of life, expanded interests and activities, and more gratifying relationships--within as little as a few weeks of treatment.
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