Agoraphobia By Ariel Gooch Definition Translated from Greek

Agoraphobia By: Ariel Gooch

Definition Translated from Greek, this is a pathological fear of being in crowds, public places, or open areas, sometimes accompanied by panic attacks. l

The Condition m m Sufferer may experience panic attacks Sufferer is fearful of a particular location because they have suffered a panic attack at the same location at a previous time Sufferer can avoid places where they have suffered an anxiety attack before Other syndromes can cause Agoraphobia such as obsessive compulsive disorder and post traumatic stress disorder

Occurrences in Genders m m m Onset is usually between 20 and 40 years of age Twice as common for females versus males 3. 2 Million adults suffer from agoraphobia in the United States

Causes and Factors m m m Chronic use of tranquilizers and sleeping pills Difficulties with spatial orientation Repeated exposure to anxiety-provoking events A traumatic childhood experience History of mental illness, such as eating disorder or depression History of alcohol abuse

How is Agoraphobia Diagnosed? m m Sufferers primary care physician will refer them to a psychiatrist This specialist will determine whether or not symptoms are caused by another mental illness in order to start treating for agoraphobia

Symptoms m. Accelerated heart beat m. Nausea m. Hyperventilation m. Trembling m. Upset stomach m. Dizziness m. Diarrhea m. Light headed m. Trouble swallowing m. Ringing in the ears m. Sweating

Physical Symptoms m m m Fear that people will notice a panic attack, causing embarrassment and humiliation Fear that during a panic attack their heart might stop, or they won’t be able to breath, and may die Fear that the sufferer himself/herself are going crazy

Psychological Symptoms Dread of being left alone m Depression m Feeling a loss of control m Low self-confidence and self-esteem m

Behavioral Symptoms m m Avoidance - avoiding situations that may trigger anxiety Reassurance - sufferer needs companion in order to leave house Safety Behavior Escape

Treatments for Agoraphobia m m m Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors - Zoloft, Prozac, Paxil Tricyclic antidepressants Anti-anxiety medications (benzodiazepines) - Xanax, Klonopin

Bibliography m m www. wikipedia. org www. medicalnewstoday. com www. phobias. about. com Introducing Psychology by Daniel L. Schacter, Daniel T. Gilbert, Daniel M. Wegner