12/15/2023 0 Comments Fear of going outside![]() Treatments for agoraphobia frequently includes cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and medication. ![]() Other common comorbid disorders include social anxiety disorder, specific phobia, and substance use disorder. Alcohol use and tobacco have also been linked to the development of agoraphobia, though the connection between smoking and anxiety and panic disorder remains unclear.Īgoraphobia can develop alongside a number of other disorders in fact, approximately 87% of people with agoraphobia will experience another mental health condition at some point, with the most common being panic disorder. Gender has been connected to the development of agoraphobia, with women experiencing it at a high rate. A traumatic life event-such as witnessing a natural disaster or experiencing the death of a close friend or relative-can also be a cause. Those who have a nervous temperament may be more likely to develop agoraphobia. ![]() Agoraphobia can also be brought on by outside influences, such as environmental stressors and learning experiences. Who is at risk for developing the disorder? Almost anyone, including children can have agoraphobia, but it typically presents during a person’s late teen or early adult years, usually before they reach the age of 35. While the connection between agoraphobia and panic disorder is strong, panic disorder does not have to be present for an individual to develop agoraphobia. For example, if someone experiences a panic attack at a grocery store, they may start to avoid similar environments. They can produce strong mental and physical symptoms, so much so that panic attacks are often confused with heart attacks.īecause panic attacks can be debilitating, the fear of having another one can cause an individual to do everything possible to avoid them. Panic attacks usually last between a few minutes and a half hour. Panic disorder is a condition in which an individual may frequently experience panic attacks, which are abrupt episodes of extreme fear, often without a discernable cause. Panic attacks and agoraphobia are so closely linked that many perceive agoraphobia as a natural complication of panic disorder. One panic attack may be all it takes to make someone fear that they could experience another one. Additionally, environmental factors like overprotective parents, fears experienced at a young age, and excess stress can lead to agoraphobia.īecause agoraphobia often develops after panic attacks, those who live with panic disorder have a greater risk of having the phobia. Genetics is thought to play a large part in the development of agoraphobia. Typically, for this condition to be diagnosed, symptoms must last for at least six months.īecause panic disorder is closely linked with agoraphobia, the symptoms of a panic attack can be included in the symptoms of agoraphobia:įear regarding the potential for a future panic attack Those who can leave home despite their fears may feel extreme distress doing otherwise mundane activities, like going to work, sitting in traffic, or going grocery shopping. So, to avoid the fear, individuals with agoraphobia often avoid these situations. While some phobias are dormant, agoraphobia is almost always activated by a triggering situation. One of the primary symptoms of agoraphobia is a disproportionate amount of fear of a situation in which an individual believes they may be exposed, uncomfortable, or unable to leave easily. As a result, some people become dependent on others for daily help. In the most extreme cases, an individual with agoraphobia may abstain from participating in activities like going outside to get the mail or taking out the garbage. Without treatment, some people remain homebound, while others may experience negative effects associated with relationships, work, and their physical health. Frequently, symptoms of agoraphobia develop after an individual experiences a panic attack and begins to fear living through another one.Īgoraphobia can be debilitating, to the point where an individual may no longer leave home. This can include enclosed spaces (e.g., subways or elevators), crowded public areas (e.g., parks or large cities), open spaces (e.g., festivals or golf courses), and a variety of other settings.Īgoraphobia and panic attacks are closely related, and panic disorder is often a comorbid condition. Agoraphobia is a strong fear of being in a situation that could make an individual feel helpless, without escape, or as though they’re going to experience panic.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |