Agoraphobia and Panic Disorders: The Relation

Agoraphobia, as a term, originates from Greek language. The word ‘agora’ means ‘an open space’ and phobia means ‘intense irrational fear’. As per the meaning of this phobia, you’d be able to gauge that agoraphobia is the irrational and intense fear of being in an open or public place. This definition, however, doesn’t encompass the whole spectrum of this disorder.

The agoraphobic will associate fear with things that go beyond even being in open spaces. The feature which lies at the center of agoraphobia is that of intense fear (almost like a panic response) to the idea of being in a situation where you will not be able to readily escape; or where there is a threat of potential embarrassment. In such a situation, since help may not be readily available, it causes for fear in the agoraphobic.

Such situations might include the types of travelling alone by a bus, train or car; or being in an elevator, or visiting the mall alone.

What really happens in the case of this phobia is that the individual will begin making behavioral changes, just so that he/she can avoid certain situations that they fear. Such an individual is most likely to survey the settings of a region/area as soon as he/she walks in. They’ll first tend to look for the exit signs or the escape routes. These are havens for them to avoid any situations. This would mean they would stick to driving only on certain routes, they’d prefer sitting close to the door while in a meeting or while at school and they’ll avoid crowded places altogether.

In some extreme cases, the fear of the person may become so overwhelming and consuming that the person might bind himself/herself to the house. This would mean that they’d not leave the house for a long time, which is unhealthy.

Are Agoraphobia and Panic Disorder related?

In some cases, agoraphobia and panic disorder might exist independently of each other. But in most cases, the onset of panic attacks will trigger agoraphobia. This is how the two, panic disorder and agoraphobia, get connected. This sort of a complication could be extremely disabling and might even interfere with one’s daily life. If appropriate treatment isn’t begun in the early stages of panic disorder, it could increase the risks of the person turning agoraphobic.

What are the causes behind agoraphobia?

Just like the exact cause behind a panic attack isn’t known, similarly the exact cause behind agoraphobia might also not be known as well. There have been a lot of theories that have been instrumental in suggesting that this disorder is said to develop based on genetic, social or environmental experiences.

Treating Agoraphobia:

The symptoms that stem from agoraphobia can be disabling in their own ways and can frighten the person beyond wits; but most of the sufferers who have undergone treatment have claimed that it has helped them. The earlier that treatment is begun amongst those with panic disorder, the better the symptom reduction of agoraphobia will work.