|
|
 |
| Women's Health >>
Agoraphobia |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
 What is agoraphobia?
How does it occur?
What are the symptoms?
How is it diagnosed?
What is the treatment?
How long does agoraphobia last?
What can be done to help? |
|
|
|
What is agoraphobia?
Agoraphobia is an anxiety disorder. The people with
agoraphobia avoid being in certain places or
situations. They are afraid about having no way to
escape or be overwhelmed with panic and having no
help. An intense fear of driving, flying, crossing
bridges, or being in shops are examples. The
patients may become afraid of their reactions to
these situations and this fear in itself can be
disabling. In extreme cases, the agoraphobic person
may never leave home.
Agoraphobia is often the end stage of panic
disorder. Panic disorder is characterized by severe
frequent panic attacks marked by a sense of
impending doom. A person may be called agoraphobic
when he/she tries to avoid situations, which he/she
feels might trigger a panic attack. |
|
How does it occur?
The exact cause is unknown. As with other types of
mental illness, both genetic and environmental
factors play a role. |
|
What are the symptoms?
Agoraphobia may be the cause if a person often
avoids going to places or doing things because of
the fear of having no way to escape. Typical
symptoms of panic attack may be:
# Palpitations or suddenly fast heartbeat
# Sweating even when it is not hot
# Trembling or shaking
# Shortness of breath, feeling of not getting enough
air
# Feeling of choking or chest pain
# Nausea
# Dizziness
# Fear of going crazy, losing control of body
functions or of dying
# Numbness or detachment
# Chills or hot flashes |
|
Panic attacks may
occur several times a day, or the attacks may be
scattered, occurring only occasionally. Even
occasional attacks can lead to fear of returning to
a place or doing something associated with a past
attack. A panic attack may last 10-15 minutes, or
longer, after which the person may be exhausted.
Women Women have agoraphobia two to four times more
often than men. The condition tends to run in
families. Agoraphobia may cause a person to avoid
going places or doing things because of the fear of
having a panic attack, of having no way to escape. |
|
How is it diagnosed?
The doctor will enquire about the symptoms. Other
common causes of the symptoms, such as a medical
illness or a drug or alcohol problem should be ruled
out. This requires a medical examination and tests. |
|
What is the treatment?
The treatment depends on how the disorder interferes
with the routine life. Agoraphobia can be treated by
various therapies. These include behaviour therapy,
relaxation therapy, cognitive therapy, visual
imagery techniques and medications (antidepressants
and anti-anxiety drugs) to prevent panic attacks.
The most effective treatments usually require that
the person be exposed to the feared situation
repeatedly, perhaps accompanied by a trusted
companion, until they learn that the experience
(such as crossing a bridge or riding in an elevator)
is not dangerous. |
|
How long does
agoraphobia last?
Without treatment agoraphobia can last for many
years, even for a lifetime. |
|
What can be done to
help?
Discuss the issue with a doctor who is knowledgeable
about the condition. Realise that the anxiety
problem can be overcome. Do not use alcohol or other
drugs to overcome anxiety. Learn as much as possible
about agoraphobia, anxiety, and panic. Join a
support group of others with similar problems, and
share experiences and solutions. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Disclaimer - The
contents of this site are for informational purposes
only. Always seek the advice of a qualified
physician for any doubts. |
|
| |
