Agoraphobia Facts

Agoraphobia is defined by the fear of open spaces, but the main essence of agoraphobia lies in the fact that when you suffer from this disorder you fear panic attacks. You stop being in situations where an escape route is not easily available. It is common for a person suffering from this disorder to avoid situations like the following:

• Confined or enclosed places such as bridges, hairdresser’s chair or tunnels
• Public transportation such as subways, planes, trains or buses
• Crowded public places such as department stores, restaurants and grocery stores
• Being alone at home

The most common characteristic of this disorder is the anxiety that develops when away from a safe person or home, mostly with people, such as; parents, spouse, partner or any other person with whom you have an emotional attachment. It affects people from almost all the categories and all lifestyles. However, women are the most affected--as much as 80 percent of those suffering with this phobia are women.

There are various physical, psychological and behavioral symptoms of Agoraphobia , which a person might show in the initial stages. Agoraphobics not only tend to be anxious all the time but also become phobic of various situations. This anxiety is the result of anticipation. People suffering with this disorder ponder more over things, which they think can or might happen. For instance, they ask questions of themselves like; what would happen if I go to the place I primarily avoid, or what will happen when I am alone at home? This leads to depression that emanates from the restriction of the condition, which the person can’t control.

The agoraphobia facts are that in majority of conditions, agoraphobia is accompanied by panic disorder, a fear that is without any apparent cause. Once the person suffering from this comes to know that panic attacks occur, mostly, when in confined places, the person then starts to avoid those situations. This is generally said to be the disorder's onset and it gradually increases and ranges from mild, moderate to severe cases.

In its milder form, a person fears confined places but doesn’t avoid visiting them. However, it is restricted to in and around areas of vicinity. In the moderate situation, the person avoids getting into situations such as elevators, driving far from home, public transportation or restaurants. In severe cases, the person restricts all activities and reaches a point of not leaving the home alone.

A combination of environmental and hereditary disorders can be responsible for agoraphobia. A person whose sibling, parent or other relative is agoraphobic has the tendency to develop this same disorder whereas the environmental factors, such as the overprotective and overcritical parents are the main causes of agoraphobia. Now that you know more about the agoraphobia facts there is no need to worry if you realize that you are also suffering from this disorder. This is because there are many treatments available that can help you overcome it. The treatment of Agoraphobia mainly includes; relaxation training; cognitive therapy, assertiveness training, support therapy and medication.

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