Do you frequently feel anxious when in crowded places? Do you avoid public places whenever possible? If so, they you likely suffer from an anxiety disorder known as agoraphobia.
What is Agoraphobia?
Many people assume, incorrectly, that agoraphobia is simply a fear of crowds. However, the underlying truth is actually somewhat different. It is not the actual crowded environment that causes panic or anxiety, but rather the fear of being in a situation where is would be difficult or embarrassing to get out quickly if a panic attack were to occur. So, as it turns out, it is actually the overwhelming fear of having a panic attack in public that often directly leads to the resulting panic attack.
Psychological Symptoms of Agoraphobia
The long-term symptoms related to agoraphobia are largely psychological. Most of these stem from the individual's belief that situations that cause anxiety should be avoided at all costs. Some signs that may indicate you have agoraphobia include:
- Fear of being alone
- Excessive dependence of friends and family
- Fear of leaving your house
- Fear of elevators, airplanes and other places where escape may be difficult
- General feeling of helplessness
Physical Symptoms of Agoraphobia
When confronted with an actual situation that causes the individual to fear an oncoming panic attack, numerous physical symptoms will likely manifest. The result is symptoms that may culminate in a panic attack, including:
- Racing heart
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Excessive sweating
- Difficulty breathing
- Trouble swallowing
- Chest pain
- Shaking or trembling
- Numbness in the extremities
- Hot or cold flashes
What Causes Symptoms of Agoraphobia?
Certainly being placed in a situation that causes anxiety is the immediate cause of agoraphobia, but what causes the fear of having a panic attack to manifest in the first place? Typically, agoraphobia is a direct result of a previous panic attack. In cases where the attack was severely debilitating or unpleasant, the individual may fear that placing themselves in a similar situation to the one where the original panic attack occurred may result in a similar outcome. For example, if the individual originally had a panic attack while driving to work, he or she may avoid driving altogether.
How to Treat Agoraphobia
Agoraphobia treatment is similar to other anxiety disorders. Learning proper stress management skills and acknowledging symptoms as they manifest are important steps to beating the condition. Psychotherapy, a type of therapy that involves talking through disorders with a therapist, is often recommended as well. In general, understanding the root of the anxiety and learning how to properly cope with stressful situations is the key to overcoming agoraphobia.
