Agoraphobia usually develops as a complication of panic disorder, an anxiety disorder involving panic attacks and moments of intense fear. It can arise by associating panic attacks with the places or situations where they occurred and then avoiding them.

How are panic disorder and agoraphobia linked?

The anxiety is caused by fear that there’s no easy way to escape or get help if the anxiety intensifies. Most people who have agoraphobia develop it after having one or more panic attacks, causing them to worry about having another attack and avoid the places where it may happen again.

Why do panic disorder and agoraphobia often occur together?

Panic disorder and agoraphobia frequently occur together. Agoraphobia is usually brought on by fear of having panic attacks in public. Panic disorder with agoraphobia is best treated by a holistic approach that looks at all aspects of individuals’ lives (the bio-psychosocial approach)

What is the science behind agoraphobia?

Agoraphobia can sometimes develop if a person has a panic attack in a specific situation or environment. They begin to worry so much about having another panic attack that they feel the symptoms of a panic attack returning when they’re in a similar situation or environment.

How common is panic disorder with agoraphobia?

Yes. Research has shown that many people have at least one panic attack in their lives. Three out of every 100 people will develop panic disorder. Of those who seek treatment of panic disorder, about two thirds have also developed some degree of agoraphobia.

Can a person have both GAD and panic disorder?

It is possible to have both panic disorder and GAD. It’s also not uncommon for panic disorder and GAD to co-occur with mood disorders like major depressive disorder, other anxiety disorders like social anxiety disorder or a substance use disorder.

Can agoraphobia be inherited?

Is Agoraphobia Inherited? People can inherit agoraphobia from their parents. According to the Encyclopedia of Mind Disorders, families have had a history of agoraphobia. While agoraphobia can be a genetic disorder, it is unlikely to fully develop until late adolescence or early adulthood.

Can hormones cause agoraphobia?

In essence there is not a single cause of agoraphobia as it has been linked to chemical or hormonal imbalances in the brain and body, certain personality types particularly in people who need significant amounts of control or approval, it can be learned from role models who display excessive control or fear themselves.

Is agoraphobia similar to social anxiety?

The difference between social anxiety and agoraphobia is that a person with agoraphobia fears having anxiety attacks or losing control in specific situations, while a person with social anxiety worries about being judged or feeling embarrassed in social situations.

Are there different levels of agoraphobia?

The severity of agoraphobia can vary significantly between individuals. For example, someone with severe agoraphobia may be unable to leave the house, whereas someone who has mild agoraphobia may be able to travel short distances without problems.

What language does agoraphobia come from?

The term is derived from the Greek word agora, meaning “place of assembly,” “open space,” or “marketplace,” and from the English word phobia, meaning “fear.” Many patients with agoraphobia are uncomfortable in unfamiliar places or in crowded or open areas, such as shops, markets, restaurants, and theatres, where they

How debilitating is agoraphobia?

The uniquely debilitating characteristic of agoraphobia is that it is a self-perpetuating condition, often referred to as an “emotional and physical cage.” It effectively prevents the person experiencing it from doing the things that may bring healing—like taking a walk, taking a trip, etc.

Is agoraphobia considered a disability?

Agoraphobia could classify as a disability. Since agoraphobia resembles many of the characteristics of panic disorders — and includes a history of panic attacks — the Social Security Administration evaluates agoraphobia and panic disorders in the same way.

How do you stop agoraphobia fast?

You can also take these steps to cope and care for yourself when you have agoraphobia:

1. Stick to your treatment plan. Take medications as directed.
2. Try not to avoid feared situations.
3. Learn calming skills.
4. Avoid alcohol and recreational drugs.
5. Take care of yourself.
6. Join a support group.

What is similar to agoraphobia?

Agoraphobia and social anxiety disorder are similar yet distinct mental health disorders. Though both are types of anxiety disorders and can result in an individual avoiding specific situations, the underlying causes of agoraphobia and social anxiety disorder are different.

How is agoraphobia treated without medication?

take regular exercise – exercise can help relieve stress and tension and improve your mood. have a healthy diet – a poor diet can make the symptoms of panic and anxiety worse. avoid using drugs and alcohol – they may provide short-term relief, but in the long term they can make symptoms worse.