Agoraphobia: what it is, symptoms, causes and treatment

Agoraphobia is fear or anxiety in public places or places with crowds and not being able to escape or receive help, leading to the appearance of symptoms such as panic attacks, shortness of breath, excessive sweating or fainting, for example.

This psychological disorder can be quite limiting and have a negative impact on a person’s quality of life, as they are unable to go to other places or relax when they are in crowded environments, for example, interaction with other people can be impaired, which can lead to to the isolation of the person.

Agoraphobia treatment is done through therapy sessions with a psychologist or psychiatrist and aims to help the person face fear and anxiety.

Symptoms of agoraphobia

The main symptoms of agoraphobia are:

• Fear or anxiety about being in a public place (transport, standing in line, open spaces);
• Fear of having an anxiety attack in public places and not being able to ask for or receive help;
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing;
• Chest pain or increased heart rate;
• Dizziness or vertigo;
• Excessive sweating or chills;
• Fainting;
• Nausea.

Agoraphobia may be associated with other psychological disorders, such as major depression or post-traumatic stress disorder, and there may also be substance and alcohol consumption as a consequence of agoraphobia. See more about the symptoms of the main types of phobia.

How to confirm the diagnosis

The diagnosis is made by a psychologist or psychiatrist based on a clinical interview, in which the person indicates the frequency, situations in which the symptoms arise and the impact on quality of life.

Make an appointment with a psychiatrist in the nearest region:

If you suspect another disease that may be causing the symptoms, a clinical evaluation by another doctor, such as a neurologist, for example, may be recommended.

Possible causes

The exact cause of agoraphobia is not fully understood, however, it is believed to be related to genetic factors, personality characteristics or life experiences, especially in childhood.

Some factors that may contribute to the development of agoraphobia are:

• Overprotective parents;
• Fears or night terrors in childhood;
• Experience of grief in childhood;
• Negative or traumatic events in childhood;
• Greater sensitivity to anxiety or predisposition to anxiety disorders.

Additionally, some personality types, such as obsessive-compulsive, dependent, or neurotic, may also increase the risk of developing agoraphobia.

How the treatment is carried out

Agoraphobia is treated through psychotherapy, with cognitive-behavioral therapy being the most used technique for this disorder. To do this, a professional assesses what causes the person to manifest symptoms, whether they are frequent and the impact that these symptoms have on the person’s life, helping the person to face situations that cause them anxiety and making them feel safer and safer. trusting.

In some cases, the use of medications may be indicated, which must be indicated by the psychiatrist, and the use of antidepressants, such as fluoxetine, or anxiolytics, such as benzodiazepines, may be recommended to reduce anxiety symptoms and help with psychotherapeutic treatment. .

In addition, it may be recommended to practice relaxing activities, such as yoga or meditation, and the use of home remedies to reduce anxiety, which should be advised by a psychiatrist to avoid interactions with other medications. Check out some home remedy options for anxiety.