Agoraphobia is diagnosed by a psychiatrist or psychologist using the Diagnostic Statistical Manual- 5th Edition (DSM-5). Agoraphobia is an anxiety disorder that involves intense fear and anxiety of any place or situation where escape might be difficult. This determination is based on history, laboratory findings, and a physical examination.
Agoraphobia involves avoidance of situations such as being alone outside of the home; traveling in a car, bus, or airplane; or being in a crowded area. Symptoms The symptoms of panic disorder can mani-fest as anxieties concerning the possible consequences or implications … Diagnosed with Agoraphobia . About two weeks ago, my psychologist diagnosed me with Agoraphobia. Agoraphobia is most commonly associated with panic disorder; usually, the sufferer will have a history of anxiety attacks, with symptoms of agoraphobia developing later. There is a danger of suicide, and alcohol abuse or dependence on other substances often complicates treatment. I had no idea what it was or that it even existed until she explained to me what it was. The treatment for panic disorder or agoraphobia is medication or psychological therapies. You can also make a number of changes in your life to support your treatment. After hearing from her and doing some research about it, it made a lot of sense that I indeed have this issue. Psychological therapies for panic disorder and agoraphobia. Thus, agoraphobia is often diagnosed along with panic disorder. However, the condition can also be diagnosed without some of the symptoms of panic - this is called agoraphobia without panic disorder.
This condition typically develops in adulthood. Agoraphobia is a fear of being outdoors or otherwise being in a situation from which one either cannot escape or from which escaping would be difficult or embarrassing. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) reports that agoraphobia occurs to approximately 0.8% of adults in the U.S. population in any given year. PANIC DISORDER (WITH OR WITHOUT AGORAPHOBIA) Brian Bexton, M.D., Psychiatrist and Psychoanalyst, Vice-President of Revivre.
Psychological therapies, which involve talking with a therapist, can be an effective form of treatment. Agoraphobia is also frequently combined with severe depression, as the isolation can cause the loss of employment and opportunities to enjoy a social life. ; Agoraphobia often co-occurs with panic disorder.
Agoraphobia is not diagnosed if the avoidance of situations is judged to be a physiological consequence of a medical condition. ; Like other phobias, agoraphobia often goes unreported, probably because many phobia sufferers find ways to avoid the situations to which they are phobic. Approximately one-third to half of those diagnosed with panic disorder will also develop agoraphobia.