Once diagnosis of this disorder is made, treatment includes medications and behavior therapy. Medications like SSRIs, tricyclic anti depressants or anti anxiety medications do not cure the disorder but significantly reduce symptoms and panic sensations. In many cases, symptoms of agoraphobia can be controlled within 12 months.
Cognitive behavior therapy also helps people over come agoraphobia. One learns to cope with panic attacks using relaxation techniques. In this treatment, one is slowly desensitized to things that create panic.
There are some people who claim that herbal and dietary supplements like Kava may help but these supplements have also been linked to liver damage.
Individuals who have agoraphobia should definitely seek treatment because the disorder can be successfully treated in most cases. There are also support groups where one can connect with others and understand more about the disorder.
Finally those who have agoraphobia should avoid alcohol and use of illicit drugs- these recreational items just make the condition worse.
Showing posts with label panic. Show all posts
Showing posts with label panic. Show all posts
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Agoraphobia: "unrealistic fear" Part 1
Agoraphobia is a mental disorder associated with unrealistic fear. The syndrome is intricately linked to anxiety. People who have agoraphobia fear being in certain places and easily develop panic like symptoms.
Agoraphobia tends to make people afraid even in open public places like elevators, bridges, high buildings, sporting events, use of public transportation, shopping malls and air planes. This fear can be so devastating that many people are trapped in their homes- this is the only place where they feel safe and rarely venture outside. Some individuals even fear being left alone at home, feel feeble and become dependent on others.
Agoraphobia is difficult to treat because it means confronting the fears. Other symptoms of agoraphobia include difficulty breathing, dizziness, sweating, fast heart rate, nausea, facial flushing, stomach cramps, chest pain, feeling complete lack of control, difficulty swallowing and a sense of doom.
Agoraphobia tends to make people afraid even in open public places like elevators, bridges, high buildings, sporting events, use of public transportation, shopping malls and air planes. This fear can be so devastating that many people are trapped in their homes- this is the only place where they feel safe and rarely venture outside. Some individuals even fear being left alone at home, feel feeble and become dependent on others.
Agoraphobia is difficult to treat because it means confronting the fears. Other symptoms of agoraphobia include difficulty breathing, dizziness, sweating, fast heart rate, nausea, facial flushing, stomach cramps, chest pain, feeling complete lack of control, difficulty swallowing and a sense of doom.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
