Symptoms of Agoraphobia - Do You Suffer From Phobic Avoidance?

If you have experience panic attacks or been diagnosed with panic disorder you have most likely heard of "agoraphobia". This condition is defined as "a fear of open spaces" but it can best be summed up as a compulsive need to avoid situations that you feel may cause a panic attack. Discover the symptoms of agoraphobia as you read through this article.

The Common Symptoms of Agoraphobia:

• Avoiding social events (parties, concerts, family gatherings)
• Fear of driving or traveling
• Fear of being in a place where escape would be difficult in case of an attack (bus, plane, boat, bridge)
• A strong need to be with a companion at all times (fear of being alone)
• Eventually if untreated you may develop an intense fear of leaving your own home (even to go to work)

At their most intense point the symptoms of agoraphobia essential make you afraid of your own shadow through no fault of your own. When untreated people have been known to become house bound, extremely depressed and even suicidal. If this sounds familiar you have to take action.

Medications like SSRIs have been known to relieve the symptoms of agoraphobia temporarily, but they don't cure you of the condition. You will feel less apprehensive to live your life while the effects of the medication are in place, but when they wear off you will most likely go back to wanting to avoid parts of your life that would likely trigger a panic attack.

Behavioral therapy is a proven effective treatment for agoraphobia symptoms. More specifically for the extreme general anxiety and panic attacks that go hand in hand with avoidance. This helps to change the behavioral patterns that actually cause you to feel the way you do.

Panic disorder has been linked specifically with avoidance. It is the fear of an embarrassing public attack that causes you to want to avoid social gatherings and engagements that will cause you severe anxiety. In order to get your life back on track you have to deal with your panic disorder and general anxiety to get relief from this disabling condition.

The symptoms of agoraphobia are all about avoiding situations that cause anxiety and panic. It is certainly not your fault, but your behaviors and thought patterns are most likely making your condition worse. Agoraphobia has been known to cause deep depression and even suicidal thoughts. If you have experienced any of these dangerous symptoms yourself be sure to talk to your Doctor to work out a plan that will allow you to get your life back and feel free once again.

Want to Learn More?

At its most intense point the Symptoms of Agoraphobia can cost you your job, your friends and alienate you from everyone and everything that you love in your life. Don't let that happen to you! Check out my blog titled What is agoraphobia to learn all about phobic avoidance and what you can do to start living your life again free of constant fear and anxiety.