Agoraphobia
Agoraphobia is an anxiety disorder characterized by a fear of public places, particularly, crowded spaces such as a shopping center or grocery store. Agoraphobia is defined as “irrational or disproportionate fear of a range of situations in which the person believes escape or access to help may be impossible, very difficult, or embarrassing if they develop panic-like symptoms or some other incapacitating loss of control”
The average age of onset of agoraphobia is 17, and it is more prevalent in women. The lifetime prevalence of agoraphobia in the US population is 1.3%, but some believe this to be higher in those over 65 years old.
People with agoraphobia who find themselves in stressful situations can develop the physical and psychological or emotional symptoms of a panic attack. People with agoraphobia most often have other mental health diagnosis as well.
Fear of actual or predicted exposure of the following situations:
using public transportation
being in open areas
being in closed-off areas
standing in line or in a crowd
being alone outside of the house
Physical symptoms can include:
palpitations
hyperventilating
chest pain
lightheadedness
choking
sweating
nausea
trembling
Psychological symptoms can include:
a sense of impending doom and loss of control
avoidance of situations that will trigger the anxiety symptoms
adoption of safety behaviors such as shopping online rather than going out
fear of spending time alone
fear of dying
fear of places without an easy exit
fear of publicly losing control or “going crazy”
strong sense that the body is not real
not leaving home for extended periods
easy triggered temper issues
hot flushes or chills
very dependent on others from being unable to leave the house
Agoraphobia is defined as an “irrational or disproportionate fear of a range of situations in which the person believes escape or access to help may be impossible, very difficult, or embarrassing if they develop panic-like symptoms or some other incapacitating loss of control”
How Psychosocial Rehabilitation Can Help
Sanare Colorado provides psychosocial rehabilitation services in-home and in the Denver, Colorado community which uniquely positions us to be able to well support clients living with agoraphobia. Our PSR therapists can help people build a tool box of coping techniques as well as support clients in-vivo to utilize those skills to reduce the impact of their agoraphobia over time. This can be combined with pharmacological support from a psychiatrist which is evidence based to be very effective support.
