The National Health Service estimates that between four and five percent of the population is affected by panic disorder and agoraphobia.
Although agoraphobia without panic disorder is less common, it is by no means rare. For example, in the UK, it is estimated that 1.7% of men and 3.8% of women have agoraphobia without related panic disorder.
The World Health Organisation defines agoraphobia as a cluster of phobias (irrational fears) related to leaving home, entering shops, being in crowds and public places, or travelling alone on buses, trains or planes.
Agoraphobia can often lead to a change in behaviour where sufferers deliberately avoid situations which may cause anxiety, such as only leaving the house with a friend or partner, or ordering groceries using the Internet, rather than going to the supermarket. This change in behaviour is known as avoidance.
Agoraphobia and Panic Disorder
Many people with agoraphobia also have a related panic disorder, and a history of panic attacks. Their agoraphobia often develops as a result of a previous panic attack. They worry about being in an environment or situation from which escape or help would be impossible or embarrassing if they were to have a panic attack.
Also, many people worry that if they are in a situation or environment that provokes a panic attack, it will be life-threatening. For example, they will stop breathing, or their heart will beat too fast and they will have a heart attack.
Agoraphobia Without Panic Disorder
In such circumstances, agoraphobia may be caused by different phobias, such as fear of crime, terrorism, illness or accident. However, those with agoraphobia without panic disorder are often motivated by the same fears of experiencing their first panic attack if they put themselves in a situation or environment that provokes anxiety.
Treatment for Agoraphobia
Agoraphobia is a debilitating condition, but there is a wealth of support and information available to those who suffer from it. A combination of therapies such as graduated exposure, cognitive therapy and anti-depressant and anti-anxiety drugs can work together to provide lasting support. Speak to a GP to gain insight into the condition and work out the correct course of treatment to bring relief.
Exposure treatment can provide lasting relief to the majority of patients with panic disorder and agoraphobia. Disappearance of residual and subclinical agoraphobic avoidance, and not simply of panic attacks, should be the aim of exposure therapy. Cognitive restructuring has also proved useful in treating agoraphobia. This treatment uses thought replacement, with the goal of replacing one's irrational, counter-factual beliefs with more accurate and beneficial ones.
Supplementary Treatments to Provide Relief
In addition, relaxation techniques and alternative therapies such as hypnosis, acupuncture and reflexology may support the traditional treatments which conventional medication will provide.
Many people with anxiety disorders benefit from joining a self-help or support group and sharing their problems and achievements with others. Stress management techniques and meditation can help people with anxiety disorders calm themselves and may enhance the effects of therapy.
Sources:
The World Health Organisation online
The National Health Service website
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