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Gulf Today Report

Agoraphobia (ag-uh-ruh-FOE-be-uh) is a type of anxiety disorder in which you fear and avoid places or situations that might cause you to feel:

• Trapped
• Helpless
• Panicked
• Embarrassed
• Scared

People with the condition fear an actual or anticipated situation, such as using public transportation, being in open or enclosed spaces, standing in line, or being in a crowd.This often leads to symptoms similar to panic attacks, such as rapid heartbeat and nausea, when found in a stressful situation.

The anxiety is caused by fear that there's no easy way to escape or get help if the anxiety intensifies.

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Most people who have agoraphobia develop it after having one or more panic attacks, causing them to worry about having another attack and avoid the places where it may happen again.

People with agoraphobia detest public spaces, especially with large crowds, as they do not feel safe in those environments.

One may feel that they need a companion, such as a relative or friend, to go with to public places.

The fear can be so overwhelming that you may feel unable to leave your home.

Agoraphobia treatment can be challenging because it usually means confronting your fears.

But with psychotherapy and medications, you can escape the trap of agoraphobia and live a more enjoyable life.

Typical agoraphobia symptoms include fear of:

• Leaving home alone
• Crowds or waiting in line
• Enclosed spaces, such as movie theatres, elevators or small stores
• Open spaces, such as parking lots, bridges or malls
• Using public transportation, such as a bus, plane or train

The above situations cause anxiety because you fear you won't be able to escape or find help if you panic or have embarrassing symptoms.

In addition:

• Fear or anxiety almost always results from exposure to the situation
• Your fear or anxiety is unfounded
• You either avoid the situation, or go with a companion, or you endure the situation but are extremely distressed
• Fear and anxiety emanating from agoraphobia cause significant distress or problems in social situations, such as work or other areas in your life
• Your phobia and avoidance usually lasts six months or longer.

Agoraphobia can severely limit your ability to socialise, work, attend important events and even manage the details of daily life, such as running errands.

Don't let agoraphobia make your world smaller. Call your doctor if you have the aforementioned signs or symptoms listed.