Agoraphobia is an anxiety based disorder that has spawned multiple views regarding cures and remedies. It is basically an irritation or feeling of being in dangerous situations from where there is no way to escape. A patient suffering from agoraphobia doesn’t want to go out in public or attend social occasions in most cases. They are more likely to depend on known people and familiar situations.

Here are some interesting facts about agoraphobia:

The distinct reason for the cause of agoraphobia is unknown. There may be genetic disorders or factors like chemical changes in the brain, an excessively reacting nervous system or adverse thoughts that bring in uncontrolled fear into the mind of a person.

Agoraphobia maybe a major cause for panic disorders or attacks. In such cases, the patient has to deal with extreme panic attacks quite frequently. When the person starts to ignore such places or moments that causes these panic attacks, it can be stated as a symptom of agoraphobia.

Agoraphobia may also occur in open places. The main reason behind a fear against open places lies in the anxiety of being in any situation from where it will be embarrassing or difficult to come out.

The patients show up symptoms like shaking and trembling, sweating and heart palpitation when they are forced to face certain situations that they are afraid of. The physicians recommend them to be accompanied by a trusted companion always.

There are several unbelievable symptoms of an agoraphobic, like their huge fear of shopping, being among a lot of people, and waiting in a queue for long and such activities that take place on a daily basis.

They are sometimes afraid of travelling by train or a bus. They feel insecure when away from home or their safe zones. They are safe and feel comfortable only with a trusted friend or family member.

During the diagnosis, the doctor has to be provided with certain personal details like alcohol or drug consumption, family health history, mental health conditions and then examinations will be done on the basis of the report. It is to be noted that there is no specific examination for agoraphobia and the doctor may only prescribe a heart-rate test or blood test.

There are several treatments for agoraphobia like cognitive-behavioural therapy, exposure therapy, change in life style, proper medications and so on. The treatment is mainly done to reduce the intensity of panic attacks and convulsions. The treatments include minute study of the patient’s behaviour.

The exposure therapy treatment sessions deal with imagining of traumatic experiences from the past. In this therapy the patients deal with their fears all by themselves and take control over the same with greater confidence.

The medicines that the doctors may include are Benzodiazepines which may cause dependence, anti-anxiety drugs and anti-depressing pills. The medicines should be taken according to the doctor’s prescription.

Agoraphobia is sometimes seen to be a result of panic attacks. While having a panic attack, one should resort to proper medication and treatment rather than avoid the situation. Timely treatment of agoraphobia can help curb and control the disease.