Agoraphobia: Symptoms, Causes & Solutions

Dr.Sneha Sharma, 2 mins read

Do you avoid places or situations that might cause you to feel trapped, embarrassed, helpless or panicked? If so, you might be suffering from agoraphobia. It is a type of anxiety disorder wherein people experience rapid heartbeat, panic attacks or nausea whenever they get into stressful situations. They may also experience symptoms before even entering such situations.

Most people get this condition after one or more panic attacks, making them avoid such situations and places in future. This fear can sometimes be so distressing that people fear leaving their homes.

They even fear confronting their fear, which sometimes makes treatment a bit challenging. However, with proper treatment, including psychotherapy and medicines, you can come out of this vicious circle.

Symptoms

• Afraid to leave home alone for a longer time
• Fear of crowd or waiting line
• Afraid of going in enclosed areas like movie theatres or elevators
• Fear of going on public transport or in open spaces like bridges or parking lots
• Anxious or agitated
• Fear of losing control in the public

Agoraphobia often comes with panic attacks that can cause physical symptoms like:

• Chest pain or pressure
• Shortness of breath or a feeling of choking
• Rapid heartbeat
• Excessive sweating
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Hot flashes or chills
• Diarrhoea or upset stomach
• A feeling of loss of uncontrol
• Feeling shaky, numb or tingling
• Fear of dying

Causes

Though the exact cause of agoraphobia is not known, experts believe some risk factors can increase the risk of this condition:

• Phobias like social phobia
• Anxiety disorder or nervous personality
• Substance abuse
• A family history of agoraphobia
• A history of sexual or physical abuse

Treatment

The treatment of agoraphobia usually includes a combination of psychotherapy (talk therapy) and medicines. The treatment may take some time. You may gradually see the improvement.

Talk therapy includes working with a therapist to deal with anxieties and fears. This may help you slowly return to the activities you’ve avoided because of panic attacks. Apart from therapy, antidepressant and anti-anxiety medicines are prescribed for agoraphobia treatment.

Additionally, learn calming skills, avoid alcohol and substance abuse, take care of yourself and join a support group to make a fast comeback to normal you.