It is not clear what causes agoraphobia. However, it is often associated with an existing panic disorder . Panic disorder causes short, intense attacks of fear for no particular reason. About a third of people who have panic disorder develop agoraphobia.
Which anxiety disorder is tied in with agoraphobia?
Related Conditions and Causes of Agoraphobia
Agoraphobia is often associated with panic disorder , an anxiety disorder in which a person experiences recurrent panic attacks. These attacks are intense, sudden bouts of fear or terror that develop when no actual danger is present.
Which disorder is associated with agoraphobia?
Symptoms of panic disorder include frequent and unexpected panic attacks. Agoraphobia is fear or anxiety of being in situations where you feel you cannot escape. Having early treatment is important for recovery from panic disorder or agoraphobia.
Is agoraphobia a type of panic disorder?
Most cases of agoraphobia develop as a complication of panic disorder . Agoraphobia can sometimes develop if a person has a panic attack in a specific situation or environment.
Also, people with social anxiety are not known to have agoraphobia . Both anxiety disorders can each coincide with panic disorder and can cause a person to engage in substance abuse in an attempt to cope with their symptoms.
What is the Glossophobia?
Glossophobia isn't a dangerous disease or chronic condition. It's the medical term for the fear of public speaking . And it affects as many as four out of 10 Americans. For those affected, speaking in front of a group can trigger feelings of discomfort and anxiety.
Is agoraphobia a severe mental illness?
What is agoraphobia? The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) classes agoraphobia as an anxiety disorder . A person with this type of disorder has persistent feelings of anxiety that affect their ability to function in daily life.
What is the root cause of agoraphobia?
Agoraphobia is caused by the fear of people, crowds, open spaces and other things that exist outside the house . Ultimately, the condition results in a fear of leaving home entirely. Millions of Americans suffer from agoraphobia.
How does agoraphobia feel?
The symptoms and signs of agoraphobia may include: anxiety in response to being away from an environment that feels ‘safe' panic attack including symptoms such as breathlessness, sweating, dizziness, fast heart rate, choking sensations, nausea, and feelings of extreme fear or dread.
What is the best medication for agoraphobia?
Certain antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as fluoxetine (Prozac) and sertraline (Zoloft), are used for the treatment of panic disorder with agoraphobia. Other types of antidepressants may also effectively treat agoraphobia.
Why am I scared to go out alone?
Agoraphobia is a rare type of anxiety disorder. If you have it, your fears keep you from getting out into the world. You avoid certain places and situations because you think you'll feel trapped and not be able to get help.
Can agoraphobia be cured?
Outlook. Around a third of people with agoraphobia eventually achieve a complete cure and remain free from symptoms . Around half experience an improvement in symptoms, but they may have periods when their symptoms become more troublesome – for example, if they feel stressed.
Can you suddenly develop agoraphobia?
Agoraphobia can begin in childhood , but usually starts in the late teen or early adult years — usually before age 35 — but older adults can also develop it. Women are diagnosed with agoraphobia more often than men are. Risk factors for agoraphobia include: Having panic disorder or other phobias.
Does agoraphobia ever go away?
Agoraphobia is a treatable condition . 6 There are many mental health specialists who will be able to review your symptoms, diagnose your condition, and develop a treatment plan. These specialists will be prepared to provide you with a safe and effective recovery plan.
Are there degrees 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.
Can agoraphobia cause depression?
It is possible for agoraphobia to trigger depression in susceptible individuals . Failing to go to work or school, or participate in social events because of panic attacks and agoraphobia can lead to embarrassment and shame. Becoming socially isolated can also make a person susceptible to becoming depressed.
