About 0.9 percent of U.S. adults had agoraphobia in the past year, and about 2.4 percent of adolescents have had it at some point. Leaving the house is something that some teenagers or adults may refuse to do.
Most people can get better with medication, cognitive behavioral therapy, and lifestyle changes. Without early and effective help, agoraphobia may become harder to treat. Let’s learn more about Agoraphobia in this article.
What is Agoraphobia?
Agoraphobia is an anxiety condition characterized by an irrational fear of becoming overwhelmed, trapped, or unable to seek help. People who have Agoraphobia avoid going to new locations or encountering new situations because of their dread and anxiety. These places could include:
- Either open or closed places
- Crowds
- Locations that aren’t in the home
- Transportation services
Agoraphobia Symptoms
Those that have Agoraphobia tend to be:
- worried about long-term travel away from home
- terrified of being alone outside the home
- apprehensive about losing composure in public
- apprehensive about being trapped in a vehicle with no way out or in an elevator or an automobile
- cut off from others
- both nervous and irritated.
Panic episodes and Agoraphobia frequently occur together. Anxiety and other mental health conditions are occasionally accompanied by a set of symptoms known as panic episodes. A wide range of distressing physical symptoms can accompany panic episodes, including:
- Trembling
- Sweating
- Increased Heart Rate
- Chills
- Shortness of Breath
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Choking
- Hot Flashes
- Nausea
- Numbness
Many teens and adults with agoraphobia fear having a panic attack in a stressful or uncomfortable place, which makes them even more afraid to go out.
What are the Root Causes of Agoraphobia?
There is no recognized reason for Agoraphobia. However, there are several established risk factors for developing agoraphobic tendencies. Among these are the following:
- Depression
- Other fears (such as fear of enclosed spaces or of being among people)
- Anxiety disorders of a different kind (like generalized anxiety or OCD)
- Abuse
- Substance abuse
- Genetics
Among adolescents, girls are more likely than boys to have agoraphobia. It often starts in adolescence or early adulthood. On the other hand, the condition’s symptoms can appear at any age.
Agoraphobia Diagnosis
Symptoms and indications are used to determine if a person has Agoraphobia. The doctor may ask about their onset and frequency to better understand your symptoms. Besides your medical history, they’ll also inquire about your family history. A blood test to rule out any physiological causes for your symptoms is also an option.
To be diagnosed with Agoraphobia, your symptoms must match certain criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders of the American Psychiatric Association (DSM). The diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) is a manual used by health providers to identify mental health issues.
Having Agoraphobia necessitates experiencing extreme dread or worry in at least two of the following scenarios:
- using public transportation
- being in open spaces
- being in enclosed spaces
- standing in line or being in a crowd
- being outside the home alone
Panic disorder is a separate diagnosis that some people with agoraphobia also have. It requires regular panic attacks, followed by symptoms such as these:
- a phobia of panic attacks
- panic attack-related anxiety of repercussions, such as cardiac arrest or loss of control
- effect of said panic attacks on your conduct
Agoraphobia is a type of anxiety disorder, and to be diagnosed, your fear must be out of proportion to any real danger and last at least six months. It also can’t be caused by substance use or withdrawal.
What does Treatment for Agoraphobia Entail?
There are a variety of therapies for Agoraphobia, including medication. You’ll probably need various therapy options to get the best results. Top choices include:
Therapy
- 1Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the main talk therapy for teens and adults with agoraphobia, and many people with agoraphobia benefit from it. Regaining a sense of self-control in your life can be made easier by learning techniques for coping with stress and replacing unhealthy thoughts with healthy ones.
- 1Psychotherapy
Regular sessions with a psychotherapist or other specialist are part of psychotherapy, sometimes known as talk therapy. Talking about your anxieties and any problems that might have influenced your fears is an excellent way to start the conversation. Medications and psychotherapy are frequently used together to achieve the best results. Do not stop taking medication or change the dose without talking with your doctor first.
- 1Exposure Therapy
You can also overcome your concerns with exposure treatment. This therapy introduces you gradually to the things or places you’re afraid of. Over time, your fear may fade away.
Medications
Antidepressants are the most commonly prescribed medication for agoraphobia, although your doctor may advise other medications. SSRIs, such as citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro), sertraline (Zoloft), and fluoxetine (Prozac), are most often the first choice. SNRIs, such as venlafaxine (Effexor), are another option. All antidepressants carry an FDA boxed warning about a higher risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children, teens, and young adults, so doctors watch closely.
Many people take medication for several months or longer, and your doctor will help decide how long is right. The doctor may begin to reduce the dosage of your medication if you feel much better and are no longer afraid in areas that used to frighten you.
Modifications in Lifestyle
Anxiety reduction isn’t guaranteed by lifestyle adjustments, although they may help alleviate the symptoms of Agoraphobia. Some significant lifestyle changes include:
- Regular physical activity boosts the release of feel-good brain chemicals that reduce stress and elevate mood.
- To improve your general health, you should eat a diet rich in whole grains, veggies, and lean meats.
- Meditating or doing deep breathing techniques daily to relieve stress and prevent panic attacks
It’s advisable to stay away from nutritional supplements and herbs while you’re getting therapy. It’s not certain whether these natural therapies can help alleviate anxiety, and they can also conflict with prescribed medication.
Mental Health Treatment for Teens in Orange County, CA
Hillside Horizon for Teens in Southern California offers treatment programs for anxiety, depression, trauma, and more. Two of our three homes are in Orange County, with separate houses for boys and girls ages 12 to 17. If your teenager is exhibiting signs of Agoraphobia, call us at (951) 498-5096 to learn more.
Clinically reviewed by Alejandro Alva, M.D., Medical Director.