Agoraphobia:An abnormal and persistent fear of public places or open areas, especially those from which escape could be difficult or help not immediately accessible. Persons withagoraphobiafrequently also havepanic disorder.
Agoraphobia is just one type ofphobia, or irrational fear. People with phobias feel dread or panic when they face certain objects, situations, or activities. People with agoraphobia frequently also experience panic attacks, butpanic attacks, or panic disorder, are not a requirement for a diagnosis of agoraphobia. The defining feature of agoraphobia isanxietyabout being in places from which escape might be embarrasing or difficult, or in which help might be unavailable. The person suffering fromagoraphobiausually avoids the anxiety-provoking situation and may become totally housebound.
People withagoraphobiawill find that they spend almost all of their life in their own home was they have the condition. They will never leave their home, not even to go for a short walk to go to the local shops to get some food. As such they become very reliant on other people and can be a real hindrance to them as well. Their own lives will become completely and entirely restricted by a somewhat irrational fear that will cause them seriousanxiety and stress.
Here are the real statistics… According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)… roughly about 3.2 million Americans from the ages of 18 to 54 have Agoraphobia. And about 1/3 of the folks who have panic disorder… progress to developAgoraphobia.
Thecauses of agoraphobiaare currently unknown, but it does occur approximately twice as often in women it does as men. It is thought to be linked to stressful environments, substance abuse, and otheranxiety disorders.
People who live withagoraphobiasuffer from repeatedpanic attacksand therefore are often preoccupied with the thought of having another panic attack, which leads them to avoid any situations wherea panic attackcould occur.
People withagoraphobiaoften have a hard time feeling safe in places where crowds gather such as the mall, concert and sporting event arenas, carnivals and fairs. Times Square in NYC on New Year's Eve is an extreme example of this kind of setting. Another uncomfortable situation is one where escape or exit is difficult or not practical such as being in an elevator; riding in a bus, train or airplane; or crossing a bridge. If one does have a panic attack and has to leave suddenly or receive on-site medical attention in a public place, it's viewed as "embarrassing" so people withagoraphobiatend avoid places where a quick exit is not available. A person with agoraphobia hashigh anxiety levelsin places that are new and unfamiliar because they have no control.
Treatment of Agoraphobia involves confrontingfearslike these and can be challenging because of it. Persons who pursue treatment can get away from the trap thatAgoraphobiapresents and live more fulfilling and enjoyable lives
Some typical places and situations that are feared include:
- Being outside or far from home
- Being home alone
- Being in a crowd
- Standing in line
- Traveling on public transportation or in cars
- Elevators
- Crowded places
- Crossing bridges
There is great potential forAgoraphobiato limit a person's life activities depending on its severity. In the most severe cases ofAgoraphobia, a person might not be able to leave their home at all, and without medical treatment will stay at home for years at a time. They will not be able to go to work, school, visit with friends or family members or go to the mail box out offear. Seemingly simple things such as taking the dog for a walk or going to the grocery store can leave a person withAgoraphobiahighly dependent on others for assistance. Further anxiety and guilt are sometimes results ofAgoraphobia, and people with it might turn to substance abuse or alcohol in an effort to cope with hopelessness, guilt, isolation,fearand loneliness.
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