Am I agoraphobic?

Symptoms of agoraphobia

The symptoms and signs of agoraphobia may include: anxiety in response to being away from an environment that feels 'safe' panic attack including symptoms such as breathlessness, sweating, dizziness, fast heart rate, choking sensations, nausea, and feelings of extreme fear or dread.

How do I know if I'm becoming agoraphobic?

A diagnosis of agoraphobia can usually be made if: you're anxious about being in a place or situation where escape or help may be difficult if you feel panicky or have a panic attack, such as in a crowd or on a bus. you avoid situations described above, or endure them with extreme anxiety or the help of a companion.

What does the start of agoraphobia look like?

Symptoms of agoraphobia relating to behaviour include: avoiding situations that could lead to panic attacks, such as crowded places, public transport and queues. being housebound – not being able to leave the house for long periods of time. needing to be with someone you trust when going anywhere.

Do I have agoraphobia or social anxiety?

The difference between social anxiety and agoraphobia is that a person with agoraphobia fears having anxiety attacks or losing control in specific situations, while a person with social anxiety worries about being judged or feeling embarrassed in social situations.

Did I develop agoraphobia?

Agoraphobia can develop as a complication of panic disorder, an anxiety disorder involving panic attacks and moments of intense fear. It can arise by associating panic attacks with the places or situations where they occurred and then avoiding them. Not all people with agoraphobia have a history of panic attacks.

Agoraphobia isn't just a fear of the outdoors

What are the stages of agoraphobia?

The average total score reduces the overall score to a 5-point scale, which allows the clinician to think of the severity of the individual's agoraphobia in terms of none (0), mild (1), moderate (2), severe (3), or extreme (4).

What is the trigger for agoraphobia?

experiencing a stressful event, such as bereavement, divorce, or losing your job. a previous history of mental illnesses, such as depression, anorexia nervosa or bulimia. alcohol misuse or drug misuse. being in an unhappy relationship, or in a relationship where your partner is very controlling.

Is agoraphobia a form of PTSD?

It relates to a common anxiety-related symptom – panic. Those struggling with agoraphobia may feel unable to leave home or another comfortable space because they anticipate a panic attack. Anxiety is a common symptom of trauma, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or other trauma-related disorders.

Are there different levels of agoraphobia?

Additionally, different forms of agoraphobia include: Paranoid agoraphobia. Claustrophobia. Disorganized agoraphobia.

How rare is agoraphobia?

An estimated 1.3% of U.S. adults experience agoraphobia at some time in their lives.

What happens if agoraphobia is left untreated?

If your agoraphobia is severe, you may not even be able to leave your home. Without treatment, some people become housebound for years. If this happens to you, you may not be able to visit with family and friends, go to school or work, run errands, or take part in other routine daily activities.

What is first line for agoraphobia?

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors

SSRIs are typically considered first-choice treatments for agoraphobia. They're also used to treat depression and anxiety disorders (including panic disorders). A few examples include fluoxetine (Prozac), citalopram (Celexa), and escitalopram (Lexapro).

What do people with agoraphobia think?

A person with agoraphobia is afraid to leave environments they know or consider to be safe. In severe cases, a person with agoraphobia considers their home to be the only safe environment. They may avoid leaving their home for days, months or even years. Translated, agoraphobia means 'fear of the marketplace'.

What do I do if I'm agoraphobic?

Is there a spectrum of agoraphobia?

The panic-agoraphobic spectrum incorporates eight domains of clinical features: 1) separation sensitivity, 2) panic-like symptoms, 3) stress sensitivity, 4) medication and substance sensitivity, 5) anxious expectation, 6) agoraphobia, 7) illness phobia and hypochondriasis, 8) reassurance orientation.

Can I get disability if I have agoraphobia?

People who suffer from agoraphobia may be eligible for SSDI benefits if their condition interferes with their ability to work. Sufferers are evaluated in the same way as individuals who suffer from panic attacks.

Is there a psychological test for agoraphobia?

The APPQ is a 27-item self-report questionnaire that measures fear of situations and activities that are often avoided by people who suffer from agoraphobia and social phobia. Each item is rated on a nine-point scale ranging from 0 (no fear) to 8 (extreme fear). The APPQ takes 5 minutes to complete.

What not to say to an agoraphobic?

Don't say “get over it” or “toughen up.” This can be frustrating for a person with agoraphobia and it can prevent them from reaching out for help in the future.

What mental illnesses are similar to agoraphobia?

Agoraphobia and social anxiety are two disorders with similar characteristics. Both conditions involve feelings of fear, which can impact your social life. While both anxiety disorders can cause you to avoid particular situations, they are two separate and different conditions.

Which disorder is comorbid with agoraphobia?

Agoraphobia is also associated with an increased risk of developing comorbid major depressive disorder, persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia), and substance use disorders.

What happens to the brain in agoraphobia?

Agoraphobia in the Brain

Functional brain imaging studies using SPECT technology show that people with phobias, such as agoraphobia, tend to have excessive activity in an area of the brain called the basal ganglia. Other biological changes in the brain have also been noted.

What medication is best for agoraphobia?

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

SSRIs were originally developed to treat depression, but they've also proved effective for helping treat other mood disorders, such as anxiety, feelings of panic, and obsessional thoughts. An SSRI called sertraline is usually recommended for people with agoraphobia.

What are two symptoms of agoraphobia?

The signs of agoraphobia are similar to a panic attack. You may experience the following symptoms when you're in situations or spaces that cause fear: Chest pain or rapid heart rate. Fear or a shaky feeling.

How do people with agoraphobia survive?

Agoraphobia Treatments

Your doctor will usually treat agoraphobia with therapy, medication, or a combination of the two. Therapy. Cognitive therapy can teach you new ways to think about or face situations that cause panic and help you be less afraid. You may also learn relaxation and breathing exercises.

How do you get over agoraphobia naturally?