Fear of open spaces is the literal translation of a complex anxiety disorder known as ‘agoraphobia’. Calling agoraphobia fear of open spaces is somewhat misleading, since the condition is a more advanced form of panic disorder
The fear in ‘fear of open spaces’ isn’t about open spaces themselves Fear of open spaces is a more of a fear of experiencing panic and not having the ability to get away. Agoraphobia is most typically a condition that develops when panic attacks have gone untreated for many years.
Check out Fear of Open Spaces here: Fear of Open Spaces
Symptoms of agoraphobia are many and include:
• Fear of crowded places
• Fear of using public transportation
• Panic attacks that happen regularly.
• Avoidance of all unfamiliar areas
• Leaving home always triggers panic.
• Extreme reliance on other folks for most basic needs.
• Being isolated and having no friends
Agoraphobia is much more severe than simple panic disorder. Agoraphobia can develop alone or it can occur alongside different emotional or mental illnesses. Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), clinical depression, post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD), obsessive-compulsive disorder, and social anxiety disorder are simply some of the numerous mental disorders that may be diagnosed along with agoraphobia.
I highly recommend that you simply check out Fear of Open Spaces here: Fear of Open Spaces
Anxiety disorders are the foremost commonly diagnosed mental disorders in America today Over 30% of all the money currently spent on mental health issues goes toward treating anxiety and anxiety disorders.
Agoraphobia is a very debilitating disorder. Agoraphobia typically renders its victims totally housebound and dependent on others Agoraphobics are so fearful that even bringing in the mail can be an impossible task
Agoraphobics sometimes start out with simple panic disorder and then become sicker Panic disorder is characterized by shortness of breath, tightness or pain in the chest, dizziness, nausea, fear, confusion, and tingling or numbness in the hands, feet, and face that come with regular bouts of intense fear
Panic attacks look a lot like cardiac arrest Multiple ER visits are typically made before victims receive a diagnosis of panic disorder. Doctors can’t even tell the difference without running cardiac tests
Panic attack sufferers usually rely on avoidance to keep themselves from having further attacks. Victims may even start to avoid public places. Avoidance marks the start of agoraphobia People can become fully housebound if treatment isn’t sought
Agoraphobia can be cured in most cases. Full recovery is normal Therapy and medicine are usually combined to treat agoraphobia
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is almost always used as a part of a treatment strategy. CBT ‘reframes’ the agoraphobic’s feelings and ideas so that panic gradually diminishes.
Systematic desensitization is also sometimes used Systematic desensitization sessions are used to slow increase the exposure of the agoraphobic to stressful conditions. Exposure is maintained at each level till no fear is felt Stimuli are then increased again till finally they have no effect.
Agoraphobia is most commonly treated with SSRI medications SSRI medications work by increasing the level of serotonin within the bloodstream
Serotonin is the body’s natural way of maintaining a state of emotional calm and wellbeing. Some people cannot maintain healthy serotonin levels without drugs, though the reason for this is still unknown
Simply a reminder – Check Fear of Open Spaces here: Fear of Open Spaces(Agoraphobia)
