Agoraphobia

GENERAL INFORMATION:

What is agoraphobia?

• Agoraphobia is a condition where you have a strong fear of being in certain places or situations. You fear being in places or situations where it may be hard to escape. You also fear not being able to find help if you have panic-like symptoms while in these places. Panic-like symptoms may occur when you suddenly get very anxious for no known reason. You fear you will be embarrassed or unable to function because of these panic-like symptoms. Your fears may make it hard for you to work or be involved in activities you enjoy. When you do try going into a feared place or situation, you do so with great distress.
  
  
• Agoraphobia is not brought on by another medical condition or from abusing substances such as alcohol or drugs. When you have agoraphobia, you may also have another type of anxiety disorder or depression (deep sadness). Agoraphobia commonly occurs with panic disorder (PD). PD is a condition where you have sudden panic attacks that occur again and again. Ask your caregiver for more information about depression, PD and other anxiety disorders. Getting treatment for your agoraphobia may help you control your fear and anxiety. Treatment may also help you learn to function in society and improve your quality of life.

What causes agoraphobia? The exact cause of agoraphobia is unknown. Your risk of having agoraphobia increases with any of the following:

• Having a close family member with agoraphobia or another anxiety problem.
  
  
• Having anxious parents as role models.
  
  
• Having had a bad experience while in a certain place or situation.
  
  
• Having been abused as a child.
  
  
• Smoking, drug abuse, or alcohol abuse. If you abuse drugs or alcohol, you use them too much or too often. Alcohol is found in beer, wine, and other adult drinks.

What panic-like symptoms may I be fearful of having with agoraphobia?

• Diarrhea.
  
  
• Dizziness and shaking.
  
  
• Chest pain.
  
  
• Fast heartbeats.
  
  
• Sweating.
  
  
• Thoughts that you are losing control.
  
  
• Trouble breathing.

What places or situations may I be fearful of with agoraphobia?

• Fear of being alone inside or outside your home.
  
  
• Fear of being in closed places such as an elevator, vehicle, or airplane.
  
  
• Fear of bridges.
  
  
• Fear of crowds or standing in line with others.
  
  
• Fear of having panic-like symptoms in public.

How is agoraphobia diagnosed? Your caregiver will look at all your signs and symptoms to decide if you have agoraphobia. You may have agoraphobia if you avoid situations or have severe anxiety when doing things. Your caregiver will ask about your health history, behavior, and fears and worries. Tell your caregiver if other family members have had anxiety disorders or other mental problems. Tests may be done to check for medical conditions that could be causing your panic or physical symptoms.

How is agoraphobia treated?

• Medicines: The following medicines may be used to help decrease anxiety and depression that may occur with agoraphobia:
  
  
  • Anti-anxiety medicine: This medicine may be given to help you feel less nervous and more relaxed.
    
    
  • Anti-depressants: This medicine is given to decrease or stop your symptoms of depression. It can also be used to treat other behavior problems.
  
  

• Therapies: You may need therapy sessions to treat your agoraphobia. The following are types of therapy that may be used to treat your condition:
  
  
  • Cognitive behavior therapy: This is also called CBT. With CBT, your caregiver helps you understand your condition and find ways to control your fear. He will help you learn which thoughts bring anxiety, and how to change them and work through them.
    
    
  • Exposure therapy: Exposure or desensitization therapy helps you face a feared object, person, or situation. Fantasy (not real) or real-life situations are used with this therapy. The goal of desensitization therapy is to help decrease your fear or anxiety.
    
    
  • Relaxation therapy: Relaxation therapy teaches you how to calm your body and mind. The goal is to feel less physical (body) stress and have less emotional (mind) stress.
  
  

How can I help myself if I have agoraphobia?

• Keep a diary of how you feel when you face your fear. Write down any signs and symptoms you have, including what you did to cope when facing your fear. The diary will help you and your caregiver see if your fear lessens over time. Take your diary with you every time you visit your caregiver.
  
  
• Learn more about agoraphobia. Ask caregivers where to find more information about your condition. Ask him for the names of books that might help you manage fear and anxiety. The more you know about your condition, the better you can help yourself.
  
  
• Learn ways to control your own anxiety. Avoid drinking alcohol, using drugs, or smoking to control your anxiety. Practice the ways you have learned to cope with your fear during therapy. Bringing someone you trust with you when facing your fears may help you cope better. Talk to your caregiver if you are having trouble controlling your anxiety.

What are the risks that may come with having agoraphobia? Medicines used to treat agoraphobia may cause an allergic response. Medicines may cause sleepiness, decreased appetite for food, and stomach problems. Certain treatments may not work, or it may take a long time for you to feel better. If you choose not to treat your condition, your symptoms and fears may get worse. You may have problems with your work, and your relationships with family and friends. You are also at risk of getting another type of anxiety disorder if you are not treated. You have a greater chance of using drugs, drinking alcohol, or smoking. You may also have other behavior problems, such as depression and thoughts about harming yourself.

When should I call my caregiver? Call your caregiver if:

• You are not sleeping, or are sleeping all the time.
  
  
• You cannot make it to your next meeting with your caregiver.
  
  
• You have new symptoms since you last saw your caregiver.
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about your condition, treatment, or care.

When should I seek immediate help? Seek care immediately or call 911 if:

• You have problems that you think may be caused by the medicine you are taking.
  
  
• You suddenly have trouble breathing, chest pain, or a fast heartbeat.
  
  
• You think about hurting or killing yourself (suicide).
  
  
• Your fears keep you from doing tasks such as work, or caring for yourself or your family.

Where can I find support and more information? Having agoraphobia may be hard. Your condition may make you feel angry, sad, or guilty. Talk to your caregivers, family, or friends about your feelings. Join a support group with other people who have agoraphobia. Contact the following for more information:

• Anxiety Disorders Association of America (ADAA)
  8730 Georgia Avenue, Suite 600
  Silver Spring, MD 20910
  Phone: 1-240-485-1001
  Web Address: http://www.adaa.org
  

• National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), Public Information & Communication Branch
  6001 Executive Boulevard, Room 8184, MSC 9663
  Bethesda, MD 20892-9663
  Phone: 1-301-443-4513
  Phone: 1-866-615-6464
  Web Address: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/
  

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your care. To help with this plan, you must learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. You can then discuss treatment options with your caregivers. Work with them to decide what care may be used to treat you. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

Copyright © 2008 Thomson Healthcare Inc. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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