
Agoraphobia
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Frequently Asked Questions
Agoraphobia is a form of anxiety disorder that develops when a person feels trapped and helpless in a public or enclosed environment from which it may be difficult to leave.
Agoraphobia’s symptoms may include a fear of:
- Being in crowded areas or waiting in line.
- Leaving the house without a companion.
- Being in open areas like roads, parking lots, or shopping centers.
- Taking a bus, a plane, or a train as public transit.
- Enclosed spaces, such as movie theaters, elevators, or little shops.
The exact cause for agoraphobia is undetermined; nevertheless, theories point to some regularly occurring reasons as follows:
- Early in life, having experienced loss or grief.
- Childhood trauma — for instance, a victim of child sex abuse.
- A history of other mental illnesses.
- Night terrors or early-life fears.
- Having overly protective parents.
- Genetic cause.
Management of agoraphobia may include the following :
- Psychotherapy
- Medication
- Lifestyle changes
Psychotherapy: Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, involves regularly meeting with a therapist or other mental health professional
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): Effectively addresses and alleviates target symptoms, lessens other anxiety symptoms, and improves the patient’s quality of life.
Exposure therapy: It can also help people overcome their fears by gently and slowly exposing them to the situations or places they fear.