Agoraphobia refers to the condition of
having an abnormal, extreme, and persistent fear of "open spaces"
or "fear of the marketplace" (the literal meaning of the term).
However, this definition alone is incomplete and so may be misleading.
More generally, sufferers from agoraphobia are often
afraid of experiencing sudden anxiety/panic, and therefore choose to spend
as much time as possible in familiar situations in which they feel in
control (e.g. their own home or workplace), and to avoid public places
and less predictable environments such as shopping centers, markets, railway
statations, airports, public meetings and large social gatherings.
Agoraphobia can lead to much distress and inconvenience.
Extreme fears (phobias) such as agoraphobia
can lead to a variety of disturbing symptoms such as: Breathlessness;
difficulty in thinking or speaking clearly; dizziness; dry mouth; fear
of dying, "going mad" or losing control; feeling sick; inability
to concentate, inability to make usually-simple decisions, nausea; palpitations,
shaking; sweating profusely; or a severe anxiety attack. Not all sufferers
are affected by all possible symptoms, and some individuals may also have
other reactions.
Even though many adult sufferers of agoraphobia
(and/or other fears/phobias) are aware that their fears are unreasonable,
many still experience severe anxiety even when just thinking about the
subject or situation they fear. However, phobias such as agoraphobia
are known and a relatively common form of anxiety disorder that may be
treated conventionally using cognitive behavioral therapy including exposure
and fear reduction techniques. Drugs may also be offered, typically anti-anxiety
or anti-depressants - particularly during the early stages of treatment.
Other forms of treatment offered may include hypnotherapy, Emotional Freedom
Technique (EFT) or other similar therapies.
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Textbooks about Phobias: |
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