Agoraphobia

Overview

Agoraphobia is a debilitating anxiety disorder that causes one to fear open spaces and places where escaping would be difficult such as in a crowd or traveling in a car. Some refuse to leave their homes altogether sometimes for many years. An estimated 200-thousand Canadians have agoraphobia which is often associated with panic disorder and panic attacks. Women are twice as likely as are men to have agoraphobia.

Symptoms

Agoraphobia goes hand in hand with panic and anxiety attacks. Consequently if you have any of the following symptoms it does not necessarily mean you have agoraphobia. Talk to your doctor to be sure.

  • anxiety and panic attacks
  • confusion
  • depression
  • drug and alcohol abuse
  • fear of loss of control
  • frustration and anger
  • loss of self-esteem and self-confidence
  • other phobias

Symptoms of panic attack include:

  • feeling like you're going to choke
  • chest pressure or chest pain
  • pounding heart
  • racing pulse
  • dizziness or lightheadedness
  • shortness of breath
  • sweating
  • trembling or shaking
  • nausea
  • tingling or numbness in the hands or feet
  • hot flashes or chills
  • sense of unreality or dreamlike sensations
  • fear of losing control doing something embarrassing going "crazy" or dying

Causes

Agoraphobia finds its roots in panic or anxiety disorder often developing when the latter is left untreated. The following are all believed to play a role:

  • Heredity: nxiety disorders tend to run in families. Researchers believe that a genetic factor possibly activated in combination with life experiences predisposes some people to these disorders.
  • Brain chemistry: ymptoms of anxiety disorders are often relieved by medications that alter levels of chemicals in the brain therefore scientists believe that brain chemistry plays a role in their onset.
  • Personality: People who have low self-esteem and poor coping skills may be more prone to anxiety disorders.
  • Life experiences: Life experiences such as exposure to abuse violence or poverty may affect an individual's susceptibility to the anxiety disorders.

Treatment

A proper diagnosis is the key to putting a person with agoraphobia or any other anxiety disorder on the right treatment path. According to the Canadian Mental Health Association many people go undiagnosed for 10 years or more.

Most anxiety disorders have at least some biological component so anti-depressants and anti-anxiety drugs are generally prescribed. They are often more effective in combination with cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) a type of counseling which helps people turn their anxious thoughts into more rational ones.

There are specific CBT techniques aimed at different anxiety disorders. People with panic disorder for instance can learn to breath slowly and use a specific drug when they're feeling anxious. Controlled exposure to feared objects or situations may also be beneficial.

Your doctor may also suggest a support group or a specialized clinic. The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health has a clinic in Toronto. You can find similar specialized clinics throughout Ontario.