Agoraphobia comes from the Latin words meaning "fear of the marketplace." Anyone who thinks that they may have developed this disorder, or fear that they may develop it in the future, should learn about this condition and seek medical help.
Instructions
Educate Yourself
1. Educate yourself: In addition to fearing crowded areas, agoraphobics may also avoid bridges, potentially embarrassing situations, being alone in public, standing in line and taking public transportation. Sometimes these avoidances are related to real or imagined fears of becoming sick in public and not having medical care available. Severe agoraphobics rarely, if ever, leave the home. Those who suffer from panic attacks may develop agoraphobia in an attempt to avoid an attack. In fact, according to the DSM-IV-TR, 95 percent of agoraphobics also have panic disorder. Most people that have symptoms of agoraphobia, but no panic attacks, are actually suffering from a different disorder. These can include: specific phobia, post traumatic stress disorder, major depressive disorder, social phobia, obsessive compulsive disorder, delusional disorder, or separation anxiety disorder.
2. Keep in mind that agoraphobia affects more women than men, but this may be due in part to the beliefs of certain cultures that women should remain at home. As with all psychological disorders, in order to be diagnosable, the symptoms must be severe enough to considerably affect the individual's ability to work and love. One must also keep in mind what is considered a reasonable behavior in response to cultural beliefs or physical conditions, and what is considered excessive. For example, a person who suffers from sudden attacks of diarrhea may be afraid to leave the house, and understandably so. This person should focus her medical concerns on the primary physical issue at hand, diarrhea, and be less concerned about a possible mental disorder. If you have concerns about a friend or relative who you think has agoraphobia, take these factors under consideration. Be aware, as well, that we are not all built to have a buzzing social life and that some people are simply shy, introverted, homebodies or loners. The key questions to ask yourself are "Is this person's behavior affecting his or her life in significantly negative ways"? and "Has this person's behavior changed recently or has she always been this way"? The best thing that you can do for your friend is to be there for her as a confidant and a positive, encouraging force. There is no tried and true treatment for agoraphobia. People may suffer from it for many years with severe impairments. As such, it is important to get into treatment early on in the course of the disorder to keep it from getting worse.
3. Visit a licensed mental health professional: Due to the many other disorders that resemble agoraphobia in symptomatology, it is sometimes difficult to diagnose. You need to visit a counselor to rule out other possible disorders and get proper treatment. Treatment may include talk therapy, behavioral therapy, pharmecueticals, general medical treament and/or lifestyle changes. Most doctors are open to discussing the treatment plan with you and will adress any concerns or preferences that you may have. Even if you are a licensed counselor, do not attempt to diagnose and treat yourself. This is not to say that you cannot play a proactive role in your treatment because you already are by reading this article and educating yourself. Agoraphobia is too complex a disorder for anyone to deal with alone. This may be a particularly difficult truth to accept for someone who doesn't like to leave the house. Perhaps you would feel more comfortable if a trusted friend or relative accompanied you to the doctor's office. Perhaps you could ask your doctor to make a house call. Do not be afraid to ask questions. Do not be afraid to ask for help. This is what family, friends and doctors are there for. Keep in mind that no matter how embarrased you may feel, the counselor has already heard the same or worse from other people. This is the counselor's job and she is there to help you, not judge you. It is vitally important that you receive a proper diagnosis from a professional in order to get on the road to feeling better about yourself and life in general.
4. Do not let lack of money or insurance stand in your way: There are many ways that someone without medical insurance or significant funds can get treatment. Almost all universities staff mental health professionals. Their services are free for students and sometimes offered for free or reduced rates to alumni and the general public. VA hospitals, churches and various organizations affiliated with your local hospital also offer free or reduced rates for mental health services. You have nothing to lose by picking up the phone and asking a few questions.
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