A phobia to put it in simple terms, is a fear of something. Agora comes from the Greek language, and refers to a place where people meet, or more specifically a marketplace. From this we see that agoraphobia is the fear of being in crowded or open spaces.
Agoraphobia is often thought of as the fear of being out in the open, but that isn't strictly correct. People suffering from agoraphobia are quite often more fearful of places where they feel crowded or "hemmed in", as my mother described it, where getting away would be difficult.
A person with agoraphobia is usually reluctant to leave their house, this is their safe territory. This supports the belief that it is not simply being outdoors that frightens the people affected by the condition. Situations such as being in a crowded building, a large exposed place, or any unfamiliar territory can be intensely disturbing to someone with agoraphobia. It is mostly associated with being unable to get to a safe location, or the feeling of being exposed and unprotected, being away from their comfort zone. Because of this a return to familiar territory and normality, may often relieve the symptoms of an agoraphobia related panic attack.
The effects of agoraphobia can range from mild feelings of discomfort or anxiety, to intense fear and panic attacks. Agoraphobia is actually diagnosed differently according to whether the patient experiences panic disorders or not. In fact, many different psychological disorders can share symptoms with agoraphobia, such as a social phobia, separation anxiety disorder (usually in children), and depression.
Overcoming or learning to live with Agoraphobia is a long process, but is one that can be achieved or at least made manageable.
Showing posts with label panic disorder. Show all posts
Showing posts with label panic disorder. Show all posts
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Monday, November 10, 2008
What-is-Agoraphobia - article 2
What is Agoraphobia?
By Stephen Price
Most people have heard of most phobias. Mention claustrophobia, social phobia, or arachnophobia and everyone pretty much knows what you are talking about. Mention agoraphobia, and most people will just shake their heads.
Because of this, many people who get agoraphobia often take a year, and in some cases, many years, just finding out what is wrong with them. Since the panic and anxiety symptoms that come with agoraphobia are so physical, people who get agoraphobia commonly visit a succession of doctors trying in search of a diagnosis. Since medical doctors are not usually trained to diagnose agoraphobia, let alone anxiety disorders, agoraphobia has had time to become deeply rooted in most people before they know enough about the disorder to seek the proper treatment and being recovery.
In light of this, here are some basics about agoraphobia:
Agoraphobia is "anxiety about, or avoidance of, places or situations from which escape might be difficult (or embarrassing) or in which help may not be available in the event of having a panic attack or panic-like symptoms.” (DSM-IV)
Agoraphobia is a type of anxiety disorder. The term “agoraphobia” comes from the Greek words agora (αγορά), meaning “marketplace,” and phobia (φόβος), meaning “fear.” Literally translated as “fear of the marketplace,” people with agoraphobia are afraid of open or public spaces.
In reality, most people with agoraphobia are not so much afraid of open and public places as they are afraid of having a panic attack in these settings, especially settings in which there may be no one to help in the case of a panic attack or actual emergency.
The most common symptoms of agoraphobia are:
1) Panic Attacks: Periods of intense fear, usually lasting about ten minutes or so (but sometimes longer).
2) Avoidance Behavior: Avoiding places and situations that are hard to escape from or that might be embarrassing to have to suddenly leave. Most commonly, this is because they fear having a panic attack or unexpected catastrophe and not being able to get help or get away.
3) Developing "Safe" People: People with whom the agoraphobic is highly familiar with and feels emotionally close to. “Safe” people are usually parents, spouses, children, or close friends and relatives.
4) Developing "Safe" Places: Places in which the agoraphobic feels psychologically comfortable. The most common safe place for someone with agoraphobia is his or her own home.
5) Scanning: Obsessive monitoring of one's own body for strange or unusual symptoms.
6) Fear of being alone: This is related to the fear of having no one to help in the case of a panic attack or real emergency.
If you suspect that you or someone you know might have agoraphobia, don’t waste any time in learning about the disorder. Research has shown that the sooner you start the recovery process the more likely your chances of a successful recovery are.
You can learn more about recovery online at www.agoraphobia.ws the Agoraphobia Resource Center website. The site was started by a recovered agoraphobic with the intention of helping others learn about and recover from agoraphobia.
Stephen Price is a recovered agoraphobic. Since his recovery, he has devoted himself to the study of agoraphobia and to helping others overcome the disorder. Since his recovery, Stephen has earned masters degrees in psychology and counseling and has published original research on anxiety.
Contact:
Stephen Price
Agoraphobia Resource Center
http://www.agoraphobia.ws
559-322-6898
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Stephen_Price
http://EzineArticles.com/?What-is-Agoraphobia?&id=190592
>
By Stephen Price
Most people have heard of most phobias. Mention claustrophobia, social phobia, or arachnophobia and everyone pretty much knows what you are talking about. Mention agoraphobia, and most people will just shake their heads.
Because of this, many people who get agoraphobia often take a year, and in some cases, many years, just finding out what is wrong with them. Since the panic and anxiety symptoms that come with agoraphobia are so physical, people who get agoraphobia commonly visit a succession of doctors trying in search of a diagnosis. Since medical doctors are not usually trained to diagnose agoraphobia, let alone anxiety disorders, agoraphobia has had time to become deeply rooted in most people before they know enough about the disorder to seek the proper treatment and being recovery.
In light of this, here are some basics about agoraphobia:
Agoraphobia is "anxiety about, or avoidance of, places or situations from which escape might be difficult (or embarrassing) or in which help may not be available in the event of having a panic attack or panic-like symptoms.” (DSM-IV)
Agoraphobia is a type of anxiety disorder. The term “agoraphobia” comes from the Greek words agora (αγορά), meaning “marketplace,” and phobia (φόβος), meaning “fear.” Literally translated as “fear of the marketplace,” people with agoraphobia are afraid of open or public spaces.
In reality, most people with agoraphobia are not so much afraid of open and public places as they are afraid of having a panic attack in these settings, especially settings in which there may be no one to help in the case of a panic attack or actual emergency.
The most common symptoms of agoraphobia are:
1) Panic Attacks: Periods of intense fear, usually lasting about ten minutes or so (but sometimes longer).
2) Avoidance Behavior: Avoiding places and situations that are hard to escape from or that might be embarrassing to have to suddenly leave. Most commonly, this is because they fear having a panic attack or unexpected catastrophe and not being able to get help or get away.
3) Developing "Safe" People: People with whom the agoraphobic is highly familiar with and feels emotionally close to. “Safe” people are usually parents, spouses, children, or close friends and relatives.
4) Developing "Safe" Places: Places in which the agoraphobic feels psychologically comfortable. The most common safe place for someone with agoraphobia is his or her own home.
5) Scanning: Obsessive monitoring of one's own body for strange or unusual symptoms.
6) Fear of being alone: This is related to the fear of having no one to help in the case of a panic attack or real emergency.
If you suspect that you or someone you know might have agoraphobia, don’t waste any time in learning about the disorder. Research has shown that the sooner you start the recovery process the more likely your chances of a successful recovery are.
You can learn more about recovery online at www.agoraphobia.ws the Agoraphobia Resource Center website. The site was started by a recovered agoraphobic with the intention of helping others learn about and recover from agoraphobia.
Stephen Price is a recovered agoraphobic. Since his recovery, he has devoted himself to the study of agoraphobia and to helping others overcome the disorder. Since his recovery, Stephen has earned masters degrees in psychology and counseling and has published original research on anxiety.
Contact:
Stephen Price
Agoraphobia Resource Center
http://www.agoraphobia.ws
559-322-6898
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Stephen_Price
http://EzineArticles.com/?What-is-Agoraphobia?&id=190592
>
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
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