Agoraphobia

- Psychological Disorders and Mental Health Conditions

Overview

There are hundreds of identified phobias in the world. Some are cultural and only present in a small population while others are almost universal in nature. A phobia is a feeling of intense fear and panic that is marked by a strong desire to flee, increased heart rate, trembling or other physical reactions. Phobias are an irrational fear response to something that will not normally cause harm or danger. They develop either from a childhood fear or from a connection made during a trauma. Agoraphobia is a specific phobia that is typically paired with a panic or anxiety disorder. It is not a mental illness on its own but a specific grouping of behaviors that are related to a panic or anxiety disorder.  Often, someone with a panic or anxiety disorder experiences a panic or anxiety attack in a public place which then leads to this specific phobia of public places. The fear of becoming embarrassed or incapacitated by a panic attack in public may make the person only visit places where they can quickly leave or they may require a trusted person to be with them at all times while in public. Eventually, some people with Agoraphobia may become psychologically trapped inside their home or even a specific part of their home due to the fear.

Agoraphobia

Symptoms

Symptoms of Agoraphobia may present differently in children than in adults. A child with Agoraphobia may show signs of defiance, anger, sadness, or may feign illness so they are not forced into public places such as school or the grocery store. The first thought of the caretaker may be that a child is being defiant. It is important to ask the child if there is something they are afraid of when they leave the house or go to certain places. A child may act out for the purpose of being sent to their room where they feel safe. The symptoms may mimic Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, or Separation Anxiety so it is necessary to have a mental health professional rule out those diagnoses as well. Other signs that Agoraphobia might be an issue are if the person with the symptoms has a range of fears about being in public. These may include riding public transit, crossing a certain bridge, being in a crowd, standing in line, or not being able to find an exit. The person may be able to handle the situations with a person they feel safe with but still with a higher than normal level of anxiety or panic. If the phobia is specific, such as a fear of social situations, then a different phobia may be the issue.

Treatment

In all cases of treatment for phobias there is the requirement to face the fear. For best results, it would be ideal that the client face the fears in real life with the help of a counselor. Having a professional present to help reframe the fear while coaching the client through relaxation techniques will help with the rate and level of success. Therapy for Agoraphobia can be long or short term, depending on other disorders that may be present. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Exposure Therapy are commonly used but if the severity calls for it, medication may also be needed for short term healing. Medication can help reduce the physical symptoms that occur when there is an imminent panic or anxiety attack coming on. It will also keep the fight or flight reaction from occurring so that the situation does not create the same intense affects. Agoraphobia is highly treatable once the client is willing to seek help. Some mental health professionals will do in-home therapy until the client is able to venture out of the home. Family counseling is also helpful so that they can offer support but also deal with the feelings of having a loved one with Agoraphobia.

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