agoraphobia: do you know the signs?

people who fear and avoid places or situations they believe will make them feel trapped, helpless or embarrassed often also suffer from panic disorder.

by dave yasvinski

jun 1 2022

3 minute read

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many people with agoraphobia may be inclined to avoid public or enclosed spaces. getty

agoraphobia is an anxiety disorder that causes people to fear and avoid places or situations they believe will make them feel trapped, helpless or embarrassed. according to anxiety canada , some people with agoraphobia also suffer from panic disorder, a form of intense anxiety that produces extreme fear and can trigger physical symptoms of a panic attack within minutes.

people who experience panic attacks or anxiety in certain places often fixate on these feelings and become less likely to visit those places again. panic disorder and agoraphobia usually emerge late in adolescence and are twice as common in girls as in boys. both disorders are associated with a range of other issues, including low self-esteem, poor performance at school, problematic relationships with peers or family, depression and alcohol or drug use.

symptoms of agoraphobia

agoraphobia sufferers typically steer clear of situations that may induce uncontrollable levels of anxiety, according to the mayo clinic . these can include using public transportation, being in open spaces or enclosed spaces, standing in line or in a crowd or being outside by themselves. while many people may be inclined to avoid public or enclosed spaces, for these feelings to rise to the level of agoraphobia, a few factors are usually present:

fear or anxiety almost always arises in certain situations and to a level that is out of proportion to any danger actually present
these feelings lead to avoidance, bringing along a companion or enduring these situations in an extreme state of distress
this fear, anxiety or avoidance interferes with a patients’ life and last for six months or more

symptoms of a panic attack, which can accompany agoraphobia, include: a rapid heart rate; chest pain; dizziness; trouble breathing; excessive sweating; sudden chills or flushing; upset stomach; and feeling a loss of control or a fear of dying.

diagnosing agoraphobia

if you think you are experiencing symptoms of agoraphobia, consulting with a health-care provider or mental health professional immediately is important. diagnosis is typically based on a discussion of the frequency and severity of symptoms and the impact they are having on a patient’s wellbeing. a physical exam may be conducted to rule out other conditions that present similar symptoms.

how is agoraphobia treated?

overcoming this disorder can be a challenge because it involves the difficult proposition of facing one’s fears. doctors usually prescribe a mixture of psychotherapy and medication to counter the effects of agoraphobia. these treatments take time and require patience, but have been found to be effective. cognitive behavioural therapy, a form of psychotherapy, is commonly used to help patients learn specific coping mechanisms to help them better tolerate anxiety and slowly return to the places and activities behind these unpleasant feelings. some therapists offer flexible appointments that include home visits for patients who are unwilling or unable to travel to a clinic. while anti-anxiety drugs may be prescribed, antidepressants have generally been found to be more effective in treating agoraphobia. aside from prescribed treatments, other coping mechanisms for diagnosed patients include:

learning calming skills to help control your anxiety in stressful situations
take care of yourself by eating a healthy diet and getting plenty of sleep
avoiding alcohol, drugs and even caffeine as they may heighten your anxiety
finding a support group to connect with people with similar issues

preventing agoraphobia

while there is no guaranteed way to prevent agoraphobia, avoiding situations that cause anxiety won’t solve the problem and may actually increase the negative feelings surrounding these situations. if you have mild fears about a relatively safe place, it may help to practice spending time there to address the issue before it has a chance to become unmanageable.

prevalence of agoraphobia

agoraphobia affects between 0.5 and one per cent of the population, according to statistics canada . roughly two out of every 1,000 canadians experience the disorder on an annual basis, with women more likely to experience agoraphobia than men.

support for agoraphobia

anxiety canada offers information on agoraphobia, including patient stories and anxiety plans to help people who are struggling with a range of disorders. the site also contains a link to an app that uses scientific-based strategies to help patients learn to relax, be mindful and take control of their anxiety.

dave yasvinski is a toronto-based writer.

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dave yasvinski

agoraphobia: do you know the signs?