How to Overcome Agoraphobia

With or Without Panic Disorder

Avoidance behavior of this kind can lead to the more serious type of panic disorder called Agoraphobia. Agoraphobia is a term that describes individuals who have tremendous "fear of fear" and its symptoms, so they avoid many different types of situations. Some may even become housebound.

The problem can go on for many years because the person is absolutely terrified to venture out into the world. The paradox is that anyone with this disorder or who has panic attacks, needs to greet the world step by step in order to conquer their fears. Avoidance will only reinforce the fear.

Although some panic attacks may still occur at home, people with agoraphobia symptoms continue to cling to this relatively "safe haven," often concluding that because there does not seem to be any place truly free from panic, their attacks must have a biological basis.

Now, for the good news. You can get panic attack disorder and agoraphobia treatment. People who have these conditions can lead normal lives and be free once again. Those who suffer from panic attacks would probably disagree. However, there are plenty of individuals who have successfully beat the problem and not only have survived, but lead wonderful, productive lives, free from panic attacks and agoraphobia.

Since Westphal in 1871 suggested the term "agoraphobia" for anxiety conditions characterized by fear of open spaces, the mental health field has struggled to grasp the psychodynamics, biological mechanisms, and agoraphobia treatment for this syndrome. Agoraphobic patients readily state that they dread being away from places or people associated with security, avoiding circumstances where retreat or imminent rescue cannot be assured.

The leading treatment that can help for agoraphobia is called "Cognitive Behavioral Therapy." This type of therapy deals with helping people change their thoughts in order to change their feelings and behaviors. Again, the "scary" thought is what produces the agoraphobia symptoms in the first place.

Cognitive-Behavioral therapy teaches the art of changing what the agoraphobic person is telling themselves so they will be less likely to experience the symptoms. The next step in the process of agoraphobia recovery is gradually going out and facing the fearful situations. In short, skills are taught to help these individuals cope, face their fears and find agoraphobia treatment.

There are also times when treating agoraphobia that medication is needed to help. Especially for those who are so frightened they can't start the process. Medical doctors will often work with them while they are in therapy. The goal is for medication to be prescribed only for the period of time while the patient learns coping skills in some type of therapy.

Once the skills are learned, the agoraphobia sufferer can be weaned off the medication by their doctor. So, the goal. is not to rely on medication for long term symptom relief but rather to become self-reliant and be able to handle what life has to offer.

If anyone you know is suffering from agoraphobia, take it seriously. This person is suffering tremendously and probably is too embarrassed and terrified to reach out.

Let them know that there are many places to get treatment and help. Look into counseling centers and therapists who specialize in Cognitive-Behavioral therapies. Agoraphobia can be overcome, one step, one day at a time.

Agoraphobia Quiz Mental health online quiz to test yourself for agoraphobia disorder.....