Agoraphobia

• Do you find yourself going out of your way to avoid situations in which you might feel trapped, such as watching a baseball game in a crowded stadium?
• Do you get extremely anxious at the thought of sitting in a work meeting, because you know there is no way to escape the room if need be without humiliating yourself?
• Have you not traveled in years, because just the thought of getting yourself on an airplane is enough to cause a panic attack?

If these types of experiences sound familiar, you may have agoraphobia.  It’s an anxiety disorder characterized by extreme fear of having a panic attack in a place where there is no easily available escape or exit. Sufferers feel as though their world is continuously getting smaller, because there are so many places and situations they avoid out of fear.

Here are some examples of some places and situations that people with agoraphobia may try to avoid:

• Shopping malls
• Sports stadiums
• Public transport (bus, train, airplane, etc.)
• Grocery stores
• Restaurants

If you suspect you may have agoraphobia, it is important to know that you are not alone and you are not crazy.  There are currently an estimated 3.2 million adults in the US suffering from agoraphobia, and it’s likely that there are many more unreported cases.  It can be a devastating, isolating disorder, but it IS treatable.  Please keep reading for more information about agoraphobia symptoms and solutions.

Panic Attacks Associated With Agoraphobia

A major issue in agoraphobia is that the extreme fear of having a panic attack can often TRIGGER the panic attack, which creates a vicious cycle for the sufferer.  If you think you may be experiencing the panic attacks that often characterize agoraphobia, you may wish to check off the symptoms on this list that apply to you.  Please note that only a qualified mental health professional can formally diagnose you, but this list may provide you with a general sense of whether you are having panic attacks.

 Nausea
 Shortness of Breath
 Diarrhea
 Heart racing
 Difficulty swallowing
 Sweating
 Dizziness

How Severe is My Agoraphobia?

Cases of agoraphobia can range from mild to severe.  Some people find that they are easily able to avoid situations that scare them and it doesn’t impact their life much, while others find their fears so overwhelming that they become housebound.  Though you’ll need to speak with a qualified mental health professional for a formal diagnosis, you can take this brief survey to get an idea of how severe your situation may be.

For each of the following statements, select “True” or “False” based on whether or not the statement generally describes you.

True/False       I feel like I’m not living freely because of how many places I have to avoid.

True/False       I feel socially isolated due to my fears and anxiety.

True/False       Waiting on lines can make me feel very anxious and afraid.

True/False       I avoid using public transport because there are no easy ways of escaping.

True/False       I don’t like to leave the house alone.

True/False      I feel like a prisoner because I always lock myself up in my house.

True/False      I get panicky when I’m surrounded by lots of people out in public.

True/False      My fears prevent me from having a fulfilling social life.

(The greater the # of “True” statements, the more troubling your case may be.)

Reducing Symptoms on Your Own

Learning and practicing relaxation techniques (such as deep breathing, meditation, and visualizing a peaceful scene) is a great way to reduce your symptoms.  Here are a few reasons why:

• Relaxation techniques slow down your racing heart à your body feels calmer à your mind feels calmer (less anxious and fearful) because you’re not as worried about suffering a panic attack now
• Can be used preventatively, to keep stress at bay and to lessen your chances of experiencing a panic attack
• Can be used post-panic attack or during very stressful times, to calm yourself down

Seeking Professional Treatment

Although this self-help method may be useful for some, it may not be enough for everyone.  Many people with agoraphobia have experienced dramatic, life-changing improvements from psychotherapy sessions with a mental health specialist.  A qualified therapist may use techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and EMDR to help you to understand how your anxiety has developed, and to learn ways to relax and control your fears when you’re out in public.  These tools can give you back your freedom, and get you on the path to a much happier life.

You don’t have to let your agoraphobia go untreated forever. If you’d like more information, you can give Mark Dworkin LCSW a call at (516) 731-7611.

Sources

Mayo clinic staff. Agoraphobia at MayoClinic.com.  Retrieved Nov 1, 2010

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