Agoraphobia

Agoraphobia: A phobia is generally defined as the severe, un-related fear of a situation, activity, or thing that causes one to want to avoid it. The definition of agoraphobia is a fear of being outside or otherwise being in a situation from which one either cannot escape or from which escaping would be difficult or humiliating. The symptoms of agoraphobia include anxiety that one will have a panic attack when in a situation from which escape is not possible or is difficult or embarrassing. There are three types of symptoms: Physical symptoms, cognitive symptoms, and behavioural symptoms. Physical symptoms include rapid heartbeat, rapid breathing (hyperventilating), feeling hot and sweaty, feeling sick, upset stomach, chest pain etc. Cognitive symptoms are feelings or thoughts that can be, but are not always, related to the physical symptoms. Behavior symptoms based on their behavior.

Causes: exact causes of agoraphobia are unknown. There are a number of theories about what can cause agoraphobia. One hypothesis is that agoraphobia develops in response to repeated exposure to anxiety-provoking events. Suffering with panic disorder or other phobias, or experiencing stressful life events, may play a major role in the development of agoraphobia. Girls and women are more likely to develop agoraphobia compared to boys and men. it is diagnosed based on signs and symptoms. Physical examination also helps in diagnosis of the disease. Diagnosis of Agoraphobia must meet criteria listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) published by the AmericanPsychiatric Association. Early treatment of panic disorder can often prevent agoraphobia. Agoraphobia is typically determined when symptoms are worse than panic disorder, but also do not meet the criteria for other anxiety disorders such as depression.

Treatments: Treatment includes psychotherapy as well as several effective medications. Treatment includes Cognitive behavioural therapy, Applied relaxation, Medication. CBT helps in finding new ways of thinking that can help you behave more positively. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva) and fluoxetine (Prozac), are used for the treatment of panic disorder with agoraphobia Cognitive and behavioral treatments provide lasting relief to the majority of patients with panic disorder and agoraphobia Pregabalin is also used in treatment. Benzodiazepines, anti-anxiety medications are sedatives.

Statistics: The approximate Agoraphobia Incidence in Western Europe, Belgium is found to be 121,744. Agoraphobia occurs about twice as commonly among women as it does in men