Agoraphobia - What You Need to Know

Agoraphobia, a word that comes from Greek meaning "fear of the marketplace", is an anxiety disorder affecting millions of Americans. Sufferers often have coinciding anxiety or panic disorders, as the key symptom of agoraphobia is a fear of being in a situation where one could have a panic or anxiety attack. Thus, many sufferers spend much of their time at home. This impedes an individual's ability to work, maintain relationships, and live a full and normal life.

There are a number of symptoms of agoraphobia that one can look for in case you believe you or a loved one is suffering from this difficult disorder. They include -

* Extended periods of staying home
* State of being estranged from friends, family, and acquaintances
* Sense of helplessness and dependence on others
* Agitation or short-temperedness
* Confused or disordered thoughts
* Anxiety about leaving home

Signs of agoraphobia typically begin during one's early 20s, and it is more common in women than men. They also typically accompany a panic or anxiety disorder, of which there are numerous physical symptoms. Those include -

* Abdominal distress
* Chest pain
* Dizziness
* Trembling or twitching
* Lightheadedness
* Nausea and vomiting
* Numbness and tingling
* Skin flushing
* Pupils dilating

Because of the frustrating nature of this illness, people with agoraphobia are also at a greater risk for other disorders like depression and substance abuse. If you are suffering from agoraphobia, you might want to be aware of this so that you can seek medical attention for these problems as well, if the need were to arise.

There are numerous treatment options for agoraphobics. The most important of these is psychotherapy. Through psychotherapy, patients can learn how to manage their symptoms as well as learning coping techniques for those times when their symptoms are at their worst. Another treatment option, which often coincides with psychotherapy, is the use of anti-anxiety and anti-depressant medication. These medications help to correct the biological causes of agoraphobia by stabilizing and correcting levels of neurotransmitters in the brain. They are not a "quick fix" or "happy pills", despite popular opinion. They often take weeks before they begin to take effect and are ineffective if not coupled with coping techniques.

The causes of agoraphobia are both biological and psychological. Many people have a biological predisposition to this and other anxiety disorders. Also, traumatic events in a person's past can contribute to this disorder.

If you think you or a loved one is suffering from agoraphobia, seek medical attention as soon as possible. This disorder, while not usually deadly, can lead to severe depression if left untreated. Also, it can lessen the quality of a person's life by hindering them in day-to-day activities. Proper diagnosis by a licensed psychiatrist or psychologist is needed before any treatment can begin. If agoraphobia is suspected by a family doctor, it is highly recommended that you seek a second opinion from a psychiatrist or psychologist before going on any form of medication for agoraphobia.

Agoraphobia is both treatable and preventable. The vast majority of agoraphobics who receive proper treatment go on to lead full, normal lives and are not hindered in any way by their disorder once it's under control. If you believe this could be your diagnosis, please contact a psychiatrist or psychologist immediately and schedule an appointment. Stop staying at home and start living life again without fear. It's very possible and very probable that, with proper treatment, you can overcome agoraphobia.