Agoraphobia Psychotherapy
Introduction Agoraphobia belongs to the category of anxiety disorders and is defined as the intense fear of staying in large, unfamiliar, crowded places, where escape is difficult. This phobia is associated with severe anxiety and panic attacks, the severity of which varies. Specifically, in cases of moderate severity, the person may experience a panic attack if they cannot find a way to escape or a place to feel safe. In more severe cases, sufferers may remain locked in their homes.
Table of contents What causes agoraphobia? Symptoms
Diagnostic Criteria Treatment
Psychotherapy
What causes agoraphobia? About 1% of Americans suffer from agoraphobia, with women accounting for a higher percentage than men. The disorder usually occurs in people under the age of 35, with an average onset age of 20 years. Agoraphobia can also be understood as a consequence of panic attacks, as people with panic attacks are likely to develop a phobia of experiencing a crisis in a public place without being able to escape.
This fear combined with the feeling of shame and the inability to escape can lead to the development of agoraphobia. However, as a disorder it does not always occur in combination with panic attacks. The factors that lead to its manifestation vary from person to person, which is the reason it is so difficult for researchers to find its universal causes. For example, some people may develop the disorder after exposure to a traumatic event or agoraphobia may occur in the context of post-traumatic stress disorder.
Symptoms Agoraphobia affects the mental, physical and cognitive spheres of human existence. High blood pressure, abdominal pain during stress, difficulty breathing, nausea, and numbness are the most common physical symptoms.
On a cognitive level, it seems that confusion and disorganization of thought are more prevalent. A person suffering with agoraphobia can also stay in the house for prolonged period of time and usually clings on to other people of their immediate circle. The patient may be afraid to be left alone in unfamiliar places, not knowing how to escape, afraid that they may lose control or that they may go crazy.
It is also possible to experience depersonalization or derealisation. Patients often try hard to change and adjust their daily routine to avoid busy places or situations that may increase stress and anxiety. Around 1/3 of sufferers have difficulty leaving their home.
Diagnostic Criteria One of the main changes made to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM5) is the categorization of agoraphobia as a separate diagnostic entity. It is no longer associated with panic disorder, but is classified on its own. More specifically, in DSM-5, agoraphobia was under panic disorder and could act as a determinant. However, in the new version of the classification system, if the criteria of both disorders are met, two diagnoses will be given.
In order for a person to be diagnosed with agoraphobia, they must feel intense fear or anxiety in at least two of the following: •Being in an open space •Being in a public enclosed space (i.e. cinema, shop) •While in a crowd or waiting in line •Using public transport (i.e. train, bus) •Being out of home alone
Treatment Treatment usually includes both psychotherapy and medication. Without treatment, only around 10% of people completely recover.
Psychotherapy Within the therapeutic context, sufferers have the opportunity to talk about the fears, thoughts and the feelings that cause panic in order to discover ways to manage and to obtain their functionality. Through therapy, sufferers learn different thought and behavioral processes that lead to coping and improving the situation.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) directly helps to replace dysfunctional thoughts, symptom management and stressful situations. Patients are finally able to recognize that the thoughts they are having are unlikely to actually happen. Over time, anxiety decreases and patients learn to understand and control their distorted view of stressful situations.
For people suffering with agoraphobia, taking the step to go to a therapist’s office is a challenge. In such cases, patients either opt for distance therapy, where the session is held via phone, video-chat or email, or home-based therapy where the session is held within the patients’ home. Members of the patients close environment also play an important role in avoiding critical or oppressive behaviour. Finally, the development of self-care methods, such as relaxation, avoidance of stressful situations, proper nutrition, good sleep and exercise can be particularly helpful in managing agoraphobia.
Agoraphobia can have a profound effect on a person's daily life. With proper treatment, one in three people eventually overcome agoraphobia and do not experience it again. About half have significant improvement, but may occasionally experience some minor symptoms of high blood pressure. However, about 1 in 5 people do not see any improvement and continue to live with these conditions. Early treatment is more likely to lead to positive results.
Contact Details Business Name: InnerSight Psychotherapy Address: 2174 Major MacKenzie Dr W, Maple, ON L6A 3Y8 Canada Phone Number: (905) 553-9255 Website: https://psychotherapyclinic.ca/our-approach/