Agoraphobia

What Does Agoraphobia Mean?

Agoraphobia refers to an anxiety disorder marked by intense fear of places or situations where escape might be difficult. Without proper care, agoraphobia can seriously impact work, relationships, and quality of life – sometimes leading people to avoid leaving home altogether.

The clinical definition of agoraphobia in the DSM-5 includes marked fear or anxiety related to two or more of the following situations:

• Marked fear or Anxiety regarding two (or more) of the following situations:
  • Using public transportation
  • Being in open spaces (parking lots, market places, bridges)
  • Being in enclosed spaces (such as movie theaters, shops)
  • Standing in line, or being in a crowd
  • Being outside of one’s home alone
• The individual fears or avoids these situations due to concerns that escape from these situations may be difficult, or that they may develop panic symptoms (or other embarrassing symptoms, like falling, vomiting or incontinence), while in the situations.
• The fear is out of proportion to the actual danger posed by the situation.
• The fear (or level of fear) is not fully explained by another psychiatric condition or a person’s medical illness.
• The patient will often avoid the situations that they are anxious about, insist on having a companion accompany them, or experience the situation (but with a great deal of distress).

Agoraphobia is often intertwined with Panic Disorder. Individuals fear certain situations, due to worry that they’ll have a panic attack in those situations, and have an inability to escape.

How Common is Agoraphobia?

Approximately 1-2% of individuals in the US have symptoms consist with a diagnosis of Agoraphobia.

Women are roughly twice as likely as men to develop agoraphobia.

Common Agoraphobia Symptoms

People with agoraphobia often avoid certain situations out of fear of panic attacks, embarrassment, or being unable to escape. Common triggers include crowds, long lines, bridges, or large open spaces.

Symptoms of panic that may occur in triggering situations may include:

• Racing heart
• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• A feeling as if one is going to pass out
• Subjective feelings of anxiety
• Tremor
• “Tunnel Vision”
• Upset stomach
• Sweating/ feelings of warmth / Chills

When to Seek Help for Agoraphobia

It may be time to seek professional evaluation if your agoraphobia symptoms interfere with daily routines, relationships, or your ability to leave home.

• Avoidance of situations due to symptoms
• Symptoms interfering with social or occupational life
• Symptoms interfering with relationships
• Symptoms reducing one’s ability to leave the house
• Anxiety related to fears affecting sleep, energy, focus, or appetite.
• Feelings of hopelessness
• High levels of anxiety or stress
• Crying episodes
• Difficulty being present with friends or loved ones
• If one is utilizing poor coping mechanisms (alcohol or substance use, gambling, sexually acting out, self-harm) to manage distress
• Suicidal thoughts

What Types of Treatment are Available for Agoraphobia?

Treatment for an Agoraphobia should be tailored to the individual. There is no one-size-fits-all treatment in psychiatry. Your treatment for Agoraphobia may include:

• Psychotherapy, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Exposure Therapy, to increase functioning and desensitize from triggers.
• Medication Management. Medication management may be part of your Agoraphobia treatment. Specific medication utilized for an individual’s agoraphobia may include SSRI’s/ SNRI’s or others. At times, as needed medications such as beta blockers (which decrease the sympathetic nervous system’s tone (fight or flight) or other as needed medications may be appropriate.
• Behavioral modification: Recommendations regarding sleep hygiene, exercise, diet, social outlets and others, may be part of a patient’s treatment.

In-Office and Online Agoraphobia Therapies Available

Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates provides both in-person and virtual sessions for agoraphobia therapy and treatment, allowing patients to receive expert care wherever they feel most comfortable.

Why Choose Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates for my Agoraphobia Treatment?

Our team includes board-certified psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, and licensed therapists with academic and clinical expertise. Our specialization in the treatment of agoraphobia and other anxiety disorders ensures compassionate, evidence-based care tailored to your needs.

• Licensed Therapists and Doctoral Level Psychologists
• Board Certified Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners
• Academically Oriented providers, most of whom teach, or have taught, at local Academic Institutions, such as Johns Hopkins Hospital & The University of Pennsylvania.
• Appointments generally available within 2 weeks.
• In-office and online Virtual Appointments for the treatment of Agoraphobia and Panic.
• Providers experienced in treating co-occurring psychiatric conditions.
• Providers who are welcoming to all individuals.