All About Agoraphobia

There are many different anxiety disorders an individual can develop. These disorders are usually characterized by intense anxiety leading to panic attacks.
Under the umbrella of anxiety disorders is the category of phobias, which are intense and irrational fears that lead to attacks.

Agoraphobia is one such fear a person could have, and is probably the most commonly treated phobia in the mental health world. It may not be the most common, but its symptoms are severe enough that treatment is almost always necessary. Agoraphobia is the fear of leaving one's home or safe area and venturing into the outside world. It is also found in combination with other phobias or obsessive - compulsive behaviors.

People suffering from agoraphobia usually have panic attacks when they feel unsafe, and these unsafe feelings include when the person is trapped, out of control, or too far from a personal comfort ground. Many people suffering from agoraphobia are confined to their homes or even to a specific room in their home.

There are many misconceptions surrounding people with agoraphobia. First of all, agoraphobia is not a fear of open spaces, nor is it a fear of crowded spaces. While these conditions may exist within a person as well, agoraphobia is specifically the fear of being notably far from a normal area, regardless of the situation. Many people welcome visitors into their home, even if they themselves do not leave. Agoraphobics usually simply need to be in complete control of a situation.

Agoraphobia can affect any person. Sufferers of the condition are about twice as common among women than among men. The condition usually begins with generalized panic attack or slight phobia, and develops into a more and more serious condition. Thankfully, treatment is available.

A gradual process of exposure is usually recommended, along with anti-anxiety medication including benzodiazepines like alprazolam. Anti-depressants can also be used. Some therapists will make house calls to help patients with their agoraphobia, and alternative treatments like hypnosis are becoming common and in addition popular in the medical world as a treatment for agoraphobia and other anxiety conditions.

A number of famous persons have suffered from agoraphobia in the past, including celebrity chef Paula Dean, actress Kim Basinger, director Woody Allen, and Nobel laureate for literature Elfriede Jelinek. The key here, however, is to remember that there is hope. If you suffer from agoraphobia, ask for help and you can begin the healing process.