Signs and Symptoms of Agoraphobia
For the millions of people suffering from anxiety attacks and panic disorders every year, handling stressful situations or maintaining a balanced lifestyle can be a challenge. Many people who have been diagnosed with anxiety disorder may also experience agoraphobia, an intense fear of having an anxiety attack in public. For many people an anxiety attack may lead to being judged or ridiculed, so the person may try and avoid social situations solely because of this fear.
MedicalNewsToday.com reports that the fear that someone with agoraphobia experiences is so dreadful that sufferers will make an effort to “avoid the location or cause of the fear.” This problem often arises after one experiences several panic attacks in public. Below are some of the most common symptoms used in identifying agoraphobia.
Someone with agoraphobia is often afraid of being in a situation where they are too far away from home, or being home alone. Some may feel fearful when they are in a large crowd such as at a concert, sports game, theme park or even a shopping center. Some people experience extreme anxiety when they are traveling in a car, bus or plane. Others may experience extreme anxiety by being in an elevator, underground train, or other constricted space where they have limited options to ‘escape.’
In general, agoraphobia sufferers try to avoid social situations that they cannot easily leave. In other words, they do not like to speak in public, go to discussions, or other situations that they cannot easily walk away from.
Other signs that suggest the presence of agoraphobia are irrational and intense fear when in a public place, avoiding a particular place, not attending meetings or appointments, and sudden withdrawal from public activities. All these usually affect one’s performance of work and duties, and one’s ability to relate with other people naturally.
Agoraphobia may even lead to other problems if a sufferer does not know how to handle the stress caused by the disorder. A sufferer may resort to alcohol, nicotine, food, or drugs to suppress the feelings brought about by the disorder. A person may even develop an obsessive-compulsive disorder as he or she creates rituals or beliefs in response to the symptoms of agoraphobia.
Agoraphobia is not a diagnosed panic disorder, but is one of several anxiety problems that plagues millions of people every year. If it is left unaddressed for an extensive period of time, the person may start to withdraw from society, be unable to perform at their job, and have difficulty forming close relationships. All of these symptoms can be treated with medical intervention, therapy and even natural supplements. A combination of lifestyle changes and changes in behavior can help many people overcome the effects of agoraphobia so that they can enjoy life again.