The Effects of Agoraphobia
By: Michaela Reynolds
Agoraphobia is an anxiety disorder that causes an individual to feel an intense fear of being overwhelmed, unable to escape, or unable to get help. Due to this intense fear and anxiety, people will often avoid new places and unfamiliar situations. New places or unfamiliar situations include: open or enclosed spaces, places outside their home, crowds, and public transportation. Usually, Agoraphobia begins with a stressful event that makes an individual feel distressed and in turn, limits their contact with the world. This limitation of contact causes avoidant-behaviors with time the individual remains confined to their home. Agoraphobia is also caused by a stressful life event that triggers a panic attack. Due to the unpleasantness of panic attacks, the individuals will avoid any place or situation that will trigger another panic attack. These instances show that agoraphobia develops over time, rather than happening all at once.
The signs of agoraphobia are similar to a panic attack disorder, but the following symptoms can still occur:
- Chest pain or rapid heart rate
- Upset stomach
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Sudden chills or flushing
- Fearfulness
- Hyperventilation
- Excessive sweating
If you or someone you know is struggling with agoraphobia, please contact our psychotherapy offices in New York or New Jersey to talk to one of our licensed professional psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, or psychotherapists at Arista Counseling & Psychotherapy. Contact our Paramus, NJ or Manhattan, NY offices respectively, at (201) 368-3700 or (212) 722-1920 to set up an appointment. For more information, please visit http://www.counselingpsychotherapynjny.com
Sources:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15769-agoraphobia
Image: https://www.rismedia.com/2020/11/05/are-you-agraid-you-might-have-agoraphobia/
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