Top 6 Causes of Agoraphobia

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) estimates that 0.8 percent of American adults have Agoraphobia . About 40% of cases are considered serious. When the condition is more advanced, Agoraphobia  can be very disabling. People with Agoraphobia  often realize that their fear is irrational, but they can’t do anything about it. This can interfere with your personal relationships and performance at work or school.

If you suspect you have Agoraphobia , it is important to get treatment as soon as possible. Treatment can help you manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life. Depending on the severity of your condition, treatment may consist of therapy, medication, and lifestyle remedies. So, check now The Top 6 Causes of Agoraphobia:

Causes of Agoraphobia:  The exact cause of Agoraphobia  is not known. However, there are several factors that are known to increase your risk of developing Agoraphobia . These include having:

• Depression
• Other phobias, such as claustrophobia and social phobia
• Another type of anxiety disorder , such as generalized anxiety disorder or obsessive-compulsive disorder
• A history of physical or sexual abuse
• A substance abuse problem
• A family history of Agoraphobia

Agoraphobia is  also more common in women than in men. It usually starts in young adulthood, with 20 years being the average age of onset. However, symptoms of the condition can arise at any age.

Agoraphobia Symptoms:  People with Agoraphobia  are typically:

• Fear of leaving your home for long periods of time
• Fear of being alone in the social situation
• Fear of losing control in a public place
• Fear of being in places where it would be difficult to escape, such as a car or elevator
• Detached or detached from others
• anxious or agitated

Agoraphobia  often coincides with panic attacks . Panic attacks are a series of symptoms that sometimes occur in people with anxiety  and other mental health disorders. Panic attacks can include a wide range of serious physical symptoms, such as:

• Chest pain
• a racing heart
• Shortness of breathe
• Dizziness
• Shivering
• suffocating
• sweating
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Numbness
• Tingling sensations

People with Agoraphobia  may experience panic attacks whenever they get into a stressful or uncomfortable situation, which allays the fear of being in an uncomfortable situation.

Diagnosis of Agoraphobia:  Agoraphobia is  diagnosed based on symptoms and signs. Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms, including when they started and how often you experience them. They will ask questions related to your medical history and family history as well. They may also perform blood tests to help rule out the physical causes of your symptoms.

To be diagnosed with Agoraphobia , your symptoms need to meet certain criteria listed in the American Psychiatric Association ‘s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). The DSM is a manual often used by healthcare professionals to diagnose mental health conditions. You must experience intense fear or anxiety  in two of the following situations to be diagnosed with Agoraphobia :

• Using public transport, such as a train or bus
• Being in open spaces, such as a store or parking lot
• Being in an enclosed space, such as an elevator or car
• be in a crowd
• being away from home alone

There are additional criteria for diagnosing panic disorder with Agoraphobia . You must have recurring panic attacks, and at least one panic attack must have been followed by:

• Fear of having more panic attacks
• A fear of the consequences of panic attacks, such as having a heart attack or losing control
• A change in your behavior as a result of panic attacks

You will not be diagnosed with Agoraphobia  if your symptoms are caused by another illness. They also cannot be caused by substance abuse or another disorder.

Agoraphobia Treatments:  There are a number of different treatments for Agoraphobia . You will likely need a combination of treatment methods. Agoraphobia treatments include:

Psychotherapy:  Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, involves meeting with a therapist or other mental health professional on a regular basis. This gives you the opportunity to talk about your fears and any issues that may be contributing to your fears. Psychotherapy is often combined with medication for optimal effectiveness. It is usually a short-term treatment that can be stopped when you are able to deal with your fears and anxiety .

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT):  Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most common form of psychotherapy used to treat people with  Agoraphobia . CBT can help you understand the distorted feelings and viewpoints associated with  Agoraphobia . It can also teach you how to work through stressful situations, replacing distorted thoughts with healthy thoughts, allowing you to regain a sense of control in your life.

Exposure Therapy :  Exposure therapy can also help you overcome your fears. In this type of therapy, you are gently and slowly exposed to situations or places that you fear. This can make your fear lessen over time.

Medications:  Certain medications can help alleviate your Agoraphobia  or panic attack symptoms. These include:

• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, such as paroxetine (Paxil) or fluoxetine (Prozac)
• Selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, such as venlafaxine (Effexor) or duloxetine (Cymbalta)
• Tricyclic antidepressants, such as amitriptyline (Elavil) or nortriptyline (Pamelor)
• Anti – anxiety medications , such as alprazolam (Xanax) or clonazepam (Klonopin)

Lifestyle Changes: Lifestyle  changes don’t necessarily treat Agoraphobia , but they can help reduce  everyday anxiety . You can try:

• Exercising regularly to increase the production of brain chemicals that make you feel happier and more relaxed
• Eating a healthy diet that consists of whole grains, vegetables, and lean protein to make you feel better overall
• Practicing daily meditation or deep breathing exercises to reduce anxiety  and fight the onset of panic attacks

During treatment, it is best to avoid taking dietary supplements and herbs. These natural remedies are not proven to treat anxiety  and can interfere with the effectiveness of prescription drugs.