About Agoraphobia Symptoms
By Jeanette Pollock
Agoraphobia is perhaps the worst phobia that a person can have. It is the fear of being not only in a social setting, but also with people, themselves. Agoraphobic symptoms do not always have to be severe. They can be mild symptoms causing you to avoid certain people or places. The severe symptoms can be debilitating.
An agoraphobic with severe symptoms cannot function in a setting other then their home or safe setting. They often spend years without going outside. When they try, they suffer the most horrendous feelings of anxiety. Their lungs feel like they are collapsing, tightness overcomes their chests forcing them back into their home or whatever familiar surrounding makes them feel safe. Most often, an extremely traumatic event will trigger agoraphobic symptoms, often, if it is not treated, then the person will remain a recluse for years.
An overwhelming fear that the event will happen again will lead to agoraphobic symptoms and the person who is suffering will not leave their secure setting. Agoraphobic symptoms include the fear of socializing, rapid heartbeat when trying to leave their home or safe setting, tightness in their chest, and finally an overwhelming fear of death if they attempt to leave their safe setting. This usually drives the agoraphobic back into their home where they know they are safe. It is a devastating illness, however it can be cured.
Treatment for agoraphobic symptoms is different from other types of anxiety. It is not as simple as taking a pill and getting on with your life. It can take years of therapy to reduce agoraphobic symptoms to the point of stepping outside the door. The therapist must go the home of the person who is suffering from the agoraphobic symptoms and form a bond of trust with them. Only then can he or she start to make progress. For the person with agoraphobic symptoms, the world is against them and they have to do everything they can to protect themselves. This often leads to becoming a recluse. Only with the proper treatment can the person with agoraphobic symptoms start to lead a healthy normal life.
Jeanette Pollock is a freelance author and website owner of anxietydomain.com. Visit Jeanette's site to learn more on how to stop anxiety disorders.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeanette_Pollock
http://EzineArticles.com/?About-Agoraphobia-Symptoms&id=575760
Showing posts with label anxiety. Show all posts
Showing posts with label anxiety. Show all posts
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Agoraphobia Treatment : Finding a Real Solution That Works
Agoraphobia Treatment : Finding a Real Solution That Works
By Stephen Brown
In considering a possible agoraphobia treatment it is important to define the real source of agoraphobia, which is a fear of public places. This fear can manifest itself as quite severe in many cases. Some individuals who suffer from agoraphobia also suffer from panic disorder and the agoraphobia has stemmed from the fear that a panic attack might occur. The anxiety associated with the panic disorder can develop as an avoidance of being alone outside the home or of being in a crowded area. Some individuals may begin to avoid situations in which they might feel great amounts of stress, fearing it could lead to a panic attack. Many times the person affected may feel as though they need the company of another person when in the situation that affects them.
Many people who suffer from agoraphobia feel as though they need to define and then restrict themselves to a sort of safety zone. The boundaries of this zone can vary; however, in many cases they are quite restrictive. These restrictions; however, do not completely eliminate the onset of panic attacks. In fact, the individual may continue to suffer from panic attacks on a frequent basis even with the restrictions in place. Therefore it becomes obvious that real solutions for an agoraphobia treatment that will work must be found.
The ideal goal of an effective agoraphobia treatment solution should be to allow the person effected to function. There are a variety of treatment options that have been utilized in an effort to reach this goal. Therapy can be particularly beneficial; however, it is important to recognize there are number of different types of therapeutic approaches that can be utilized. In many cases therapeutic approaches to agoraphobia treatment may involve both the therapist and the patient approaching the subject of the person’s fear. For example, if the person has a fear of going into a shopping mall because they fear the onset of a panic attack, the therapist may accompany the patient on a trip to the shopping mall. Through a gradual approach to the situation, the person may be able to learn to cope with their fears on a graduated level. Each attempt is aimed at getting the patient to master their fears for longer periods of time. Over time it is hoped that the person will be able to conquer the fear entirely. This type of therapeutic approach can require a significant dedication of time and energy in order to be successful.
Of course, there are other possible approaches to agoraphobia treatment options; however, it should be noted that some approaches, such as prescription medicines may only mask the symptoms associated with the disorder and not treat the real root cause of the problem. Treatment with medications can also cause unpleasant side effects, including dry mouth, blurred vision and constipation. In addition, in order for the symptoms of the disorder to be controlled, the patient must continue using the medications. Cessation of the medications can cause recurrence of the symptoms.
Given the various agoraphobia treatment options available it is imperative that a person suffering from this disorder find a solution that will allow them to gain control of their life back with as few side effects as possible.
Looking for more information on agoraphobia, anxiety, and panic attacks? Visit the following links for more great articles...
http://www.selfsteps.com/anxiety-articles.htm
http://www.selfsteps.com/panic-attack-articles.htm
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Stephen_Brown
http://EzineArticles.com/?Agoraphobia-Treatment-:-Finding-a-Real-Solution-That-Works&id=360475
By Stephen Brown
In considering a possible agoraphobia treatment it is important to define the real source of agoraphobia, which is a fear of public places. This fear can manifest itself as quite severe in many cases. Some individuals who suffer from agoraphobia also suffer from panic disorder and the agoraphobia has stemmed from the fear that a panic attack might occur. The anxiety associated with the panic disorder can develop as an avoidance of being alone outside the home or of being in a crowded area. Some individuals may begin to avoid situations in which they might feel great amounts of stress, fearing it could lead to a panic attack. Many times the person affected may feel as though they need the company of another person when in the situation that affects them.
Many people who suffer from agoraphobia feel as though they need to define and then restrict themselves to a sort of safety zone. The boundaries of this zone can vary; however, in many cases they are quite restrictive. These restrictions; however, do not completely eliminate the onset of panic attacks. In fact, the individual may continue to suffer from panic attacks on a frequent basis even with the restrictions in place. Therefore it becomes obvious that real solutions for an agoraphobia treatment that will work must be found.
The ideal goal of an effective agoraphobia treatment solution should be to allow the person effected to function. There are a variety of treatment options that have been utilized in an effort to reach this goal. Therapy can be particularly beneficial; however, it is important to recognize there are number of different types of therapeutic approaches that can be utilized. In many cases therapeutic approaches to agoraphobia treatment may involve both the therapist and the patient approaching the subject of the person’s fear. For example, if the person has a fear of going into a shopping mall because they fear the onset of a panic attack, the therapist may accompany the patient on a trip to the shopping mall. Through a gradual approach to the situation, the person may be able to learn to cope with their fears on a graduated level. Each attempt is aimed at getting the patient to master their fears for longer periods of time. Over time it is hoped that the person will be able to conquer the fear entirely. This type of therapeutic approach can require a significant dedication of time and energy in order to be successful.
Of course, there are other possible approaches to agoraphobia treatment options; however, it should be noted that some approaches, such as prescription medicines may only mask the symptoms associated with the disorder and not treat the real root cause of the problem. Treatment with medications can also cause unpleasant side effects, including dry mouth, blurred vision and constipation. In addition, in order for the symptoms of the disorder to be controlled, the patient must continue using the medications. Cessation of the medications can cause recurrence of the symptoms.
Given the various agoraphobia treatment options available it is imperative that a person suffering from this disorder find a solution that will allow them to gain control of their life back with as few side effects as possible.
Looking for more information on agoraphobia, anxiety, and panic attacks? Visit the following links for more great articles...
http://www.selfsteps.com/anxiety-articles.htm
http://www.selfsteps.com/panic-attack-articles.htm
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Stephen_Brown
http://EzineArticles.com/?Agoraphobia-Treatment-:-Finding-a-Real-Solution-That-Works&id=360475
Sunday, November 2, 2008
What Is Agoraphobia?
What Is Agoraphobia?
By Arthur Buchanan
Agoraphobia, when literally translated, means fear of a marketplace. Agoraphobia, when it becomes more severe, will become fear of a public area or place. Beyond this definition are several different emotions and reactions to places that are attached. It is known that one-third of people who have panic disorder will begin to develop agoraphobia. Understanding the how and why of how agoraphobia manifests itself offers a beginning for you to begin to be able to cope agoraphobia as a mental illness.
Agoraphobia will usually begin when you are having a panic attack. Sometimes, this can be as soon as the very first panic attack that is carried through with.
This panic attack, to you, may seem to have no basis to it and only begin out of nowhere. As a result, the panic attack scenario becomes associated with a place that you are in. This association then leads to avoidance of the place as well as trying to avoid other places that have the same types of people or things as part of the surroundings.There are several reasons for the panic attack occurring. Often times, it is a result of a stressful situation that is occurring in the environment around you or in your life. Other times, it may be a result of anxiety that is occurring in your life. If this is not taken care of, or if you are having a hard time coping, your brain will react by causing a panic attack. If there is increased fear and discomfort in your life as well, then a panic attack may occur.
There are several physical side affects that are related to a panic attack. The first thing that you may notice is that your heart rate will begin to get faster. As a result, there will be pain that occurs in your chest. You may find yourself beginning to sweat from this. Your breath will become short, which will cause you to become dizzy. You may also begin to shake from the panic attack. After these different things occur, then you may notice that several fears will begin to take place.
Panic attacks will then turn into panic disorders, where one is afraid to put themselves in a situation. While this fear may rise, those with agoraphobia don’t necessarily take themselves out of situations that cause panic attacks at first. Many times, the fear of going into the area will lead them to bring a friend with them in order to feel safe. Other instances become more extreme where the person who is having the panic attacks and fear will stay at home. If this fear is not treated, it becomes worsened by more panic attacks and more fear of being in a public area. These fears cause the person with the mental disorder to establish what is known as zones of safety. The person will become afraid of moving out of these areas.
One of the major results of agoraphobia is simply avoiding situations. This may mean that you ask others to go to public places for you or with you. At other times, this avoidance is only by mentally being in a place, but trying not to think of where you are. This avoidance at a more extreme level means that you won’t leave your home in order to go places.
If you are finding that you have a fear of going into public places and are relying on others to take you out of what you may know as safety zones, then it is important to begin getting help right away. To begin, there is a medication that can be offered to you in order to calm down the panic attacks as well as make you less afraid of where you are. The second step is to receive cognitive-behavioral therapy. This will allow you to be able to learn about what your fears are, when they started and how to move past the avoidance of situations.
One of the parts of the therapy that you will probably take part in is known as desensitization. This is also referred to as gradual exposure therapy. Over a certain amount of time, you will be requested to go into the areas that cause you the most fear. While in these situations, you will learn how to face the fears and anxiety that result. Over time, the fear will become less threatening and you will be able to move into places more easily.
If you are afraid of moving into public areas and situations, or avoid certain places because of panic attacks, then you may be developing agoraphobia. By doing this, you may be in danger of becoming homebound and never leaving a safety zone. If you know someone who has this disorder, or if you believe that you have it yourself, then it is important to get help as soon as possible. There are several methods and treatments that can move you past your fears and allow you to face public areas again.
Listen to Arthur Buchanan on the Mike Litman Show! http://freesuccessaudios.com/Artlive.mp3 THIS LINK WORKS, LISTEN TODAY!
With Much Love,
Arthur Buchanan
President/CEO
Out of Darkness & Into the Light
209 ELLIS Ave. Suite 1313
Huron Ohio, 44839 http://www.out-of-darkness.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Arthur_Buchanan http://EzineArticles.com/?What-Is-Agoraphobia?&id=509659
By Arthur Buchanan
Agoraphobia, when literally translated, means fear of a marketplace. Agoraphobia, when it becomes more severe, will become fear of a public area or place. Beyond this definition are several different emotions and reactions to places that are attached. It is known that one-third of people who have panic disorder will begin to develop agoraphobia. Understanding the how and why of how agoraphobia manifests itself offers a beginning for you to begin to be able to cope agoraphobia as a mental illness.
Agoraphobia will usually begin when you are having a panic attack. Sometimes, this can be as soon as the very first panic attack that is carried through with.
This panic attack, to you, may seem to have no basis to it and only begin out of nowhere. As a result, the panic attack scenario becomes associated with a place that you are in. This association then leads to avoidance of the place as well as trying to avoid other places that have the same types of people or things as part of the surroundings.There are several reasons for the panic attack occurring. Often times, it is a result of a stressful situation that is occurring in the environment around you or in your life. Other times, it may be a result of anxiety that is occurring in your life. If this is not taken care of, or if you are having a hard time coping, your brain will react by causing a panic attack. If there is increased fear and discomfort in your life as well, then a panic attack may occur.
There are several physical side affects that are related to a panic attack. The first thing that you may notice is that your heart rate will begin to get faster. As a result, there will be pain that occurs in your chest. You may find yourself beginning to sweat from this. Your breath will become short, which will cause you to become dizzy. You may also begin to shake from the panic attack. After these different things occur, then you may notice that several fears will begin to take place.
Panic attacks will then turn into panic disorders, where one is afraid to put themselves in a situation. While this fear may rise, those with agoraphobia don’t necessarily take themselves out of situations that cause panic attacks at first. Many times, the fear of going into the area will lead them to bring a friend with them in order to feel safe. Other instances become more extreme where the person who is having the panic attacks and fear will stay at home. If this fear is not treated, it becomes worsened by more panic attacks and more fear of being in a public area. These fears cause the person with the mental disorder to establish what is known as zones of safety. The person will become afraid of moving out of these areas.
One of the major results of agoraphobia is simply avoiding situations. This may mean that you ask others to go to public places for you or with you. At other times, this avoidance is only by mentally being in a place, but trying not to think of where you are. This avoidance at a more extreme level means that you won’t leave your home in order to go places.
If you are finding that you have a fear of going into public places and are relying on others to take you out of what you may know as safety zones, then it is important to begin getting help right away. To begin, there is a medication that can be offered to you in order to calm down the panic attacks as well as make you less afraid of where you are. The second step is to receive cognitive-behavioral therapy. This will allow you to be able to learn about what your fears are, when they started and how to move past the avoidance of situations.
One of the parts of the therapy that you will probably take part in is known as desensitization. This is also referred to as gradual exposure therapy. Over a certain amount of time, you will be requested to go into the areas that cause you the most fear. While in these situations, you will learn how to face the fears and anxiety that result. Over time, the fear will become less threatening and you will be able to move into places more easily.
If you are afraid of moving into public areas and situations, or avoid certain places because of panic attacks, then you may be developing agoraphobia. By doing this, you may be in danger of becoming homebound and never leaving a safety zone. If you know someone who has this disorder, or if you believe that you have it yourself, then it is important to get help as soon as possible. There are several methods and treatments that can move you past your fears and allow you to face public areas again.
Listen to Arthur Buchanan on the Mike Litman Show! http://freesuccessaudios.com/Artlive.mp3 THIS LINK WORKS, LISTEN TODAY!
With Much Love,
Arthur Buchanan
President/CEO
Out of Darkness & Into the Light
209 ELLIS Ave. Suite 1313
Huron Ohio, 44839 http://www.out-of-darkness.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Arthur_Buchanan http://EzineArticles.com/?What-Is-Agoraphobia?&id=509659
Agoraphobia and Panic Attack Disorder Are Ruining Your Life
Agoraphobia and Panic Attack Disorder Are Ruining Your Life
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Denise_Durbin]Denise Durbin
Many people do not realize that agoraphobia is a form of anxiety disorder that is quite common but highly treatable. Agoraphobia and panic attack disorder are closely in that an individually suffering from agoraphobia fears situations or settings where they feel out of control or fear the onset of a panic attack in public.
When a person suffers from panic attacks they run the risk of having these attacks in a public place. After the very first panic attack, the person might become fearful of having another attack in a place that they cannot control. Spending time in places where they might have a panic attack becomes impossible for these people and agoraphobia becomes the problem.
This is why it is so important that panic attacks be treated immediately so that they do not progress to a state that completely hinders the quality of life. If you have had the symptoms of a panic attack the first thing that you must do is visit the doctor and be properly diagnosed. If it does turn out to be a panic disorder, then you can take the first steps for treatment.
The doctor may prescribe medication that will help to ease the symptoms of a panic attack when it is taking place. There are also antidepressant medications that will help patients keep their panic attacks under control.
There are also behavior therapies that work very well in the treatment of panic attacks and disorders. The most important part of treatment is that the panic disorder does not reach the level of agoraphobia. Sometimes the fear of having an attack is enough to trigger one. It is necessary to learn to control this type of thinking and put it in check before it causes a panic attack to happen.
Unfortunately, people can literally talk themselves right into having a panic attack just by the simple act of talking and thinking about panic attacks. These thought patterns must be changed. Cognitive behavior therapy is one treatment that seeks to do that.
There are also natural treatments that work very well for some people with panic disorders. Hypnosis and breathing techniques along with meditation are some of the more common natural approaches to panic disorder.
If feelings of anxiety have started to affect your ability to go to work or do any of the normal functions of life, you might need a more aggressive therapy for your condition. You should monitor your progress while you are seeking treatment for panic disorders and report any changes in your condition to your doctor or therapist.
If you are having panic attacks and have been diagnosed with anxiety or panic disorder, you should educate yourself on the connection between agoraphobia and panic attack disorder. It is important that you get a handle on the panic attacks before they impair the quality of your life.
Don't let panic attacks ruin your life, you can control anxiety and avoid [http://www.anxietyandpanicattack.net]long term medications for anxiety and panic attack. Visit http://www.AnxietyandPanicAttack.net today and find out how.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Denise_Durbin http://EzineArticles.com/?Agoraphobia-and-Panic-Attack-Disorder-Are-Ruining-Your-Life&id=1546040
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Denise_Durbin]Denise Durbin
Many people do not realize that agoraphobia is a form of anxiety disorder that is quite common but highly treatable. Agoraphobia and panic attack disorder are closely in that an individually suffering from agoraphobia fears situations or settings where they feel out of control or fear the onset of a panic attack in public.
When a person suffers from panic attacks they run the risk of having these attacks in a public place. After the very first panic attack, the person might become fearful of having another attack in a place that they cannot control. Spending time in places where they might have a panic attack becomes impossible for these people and agoraphobia becomes the problem.
This is why it is so important that panic attacks be treated immediately so that they do not progress to a state that completely hinders the quality of life. If you have had the symptoms of a panic attack the first thing that you must do is visit the doctor and be properly diagnosed. If it does turn out to be a panic disorder, then you can take the first steps for treatment.
The doctor may prescribe medication that will help to ease the symptoms of a panic attack when it is taking place. There are also antidepressant medications that will help patients keep their panic attacks under control.
There are also behavior therapies that work very well in the treatment of panic attacks and disorders. The most important part of treatment is that the panic disorder does not reach the level of agoraphobia. Sometimes the fear of having an attack is enough to trigger one. It is necessary to learn to control this type of thinking and put it in check before it causes a panic attack to happen.
Unfortunately, people can literally talk themselves right into having a panic attack just by the simple act of talking and thinking about panic attacks. These thought patterns must be changed. Cognitive behavior therapy is one treatment that seeks to do that.
There are also natural treatments that work very well for some people with panic disorders. Hypnosis and breathing techniques along with meditation are some of the more common natural approaches to panic disorder.
If feelings of anxiety have started to affect your ability to go to work or do any of the normal functions of life, you might need a more aggressive therapy for your condition. You should monitor your progress while you are seeking treatment for panic disorders and report any changes in your condition to your doctor or therapist.
If you are having panic attacks and have been diagnosed with anxiety or panic disorder, you should educate yourself on the connection between agoraphobia and panic attack disorder. It is important that you get a handle on the panic attacks before they impair the quality of your life.
Don't let panic attacks ruin your life, you can control anxiety and avoid [http://www.anxietyandpanicattack.net]long term medications for anxiety and panic attack. Visit http://www.AnxietyandPanicAttack.net today and find out how.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Denise_Durbin http://EzineArticles.com/?Agoraphobia-and-Panic-Attack-Disorder-Are-Ruining-Your-Life&id=1546040
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