|
Agoraphobia is a disorder that causes people to experience extreme fear and anxiety in public places from which escape would be difficult. Crowds, bridges, and travel are common triggers of agoraphobics, although just about any situation that involves being away from the safety of home can be traumatic. Agoraphobia often develops in conjunction with other anxiety disorders, such as panic attacks or post-traumatic stress syndrome. The exact cause of agoraphobia is unknown, but women are diagnosed with this condition more often than men. In addition, people who are naturally anxious, those who have been diagnosed with other anxiety disorders, those with other specific phobias, and those who abuse alcohol and drugs have an increased risk of getting agoraphobia. Although agoraphobia usually sets in during the teens and early 20s, the initial onset can occur at any age, depending on the individual’s life experiences. Agoraphobia may be a psychological disorder, buy it causes many physical symptoms that range from uncomfortable to debilitating. Sweating, heart palpitations, nausea, dizziness, confusion, trembling, diarrhea, vomiting, chest pain and numbness or tingling are just some of the physical manifestations of this illness. The psychological symptoms of agoraphobia may be even more damaging, as some people with agoraphobia report feeling completely disconnected from their emotions and environment, as if they are observing themselves from outside their own bodies. Agoraphobics seek to isolate themselves in order to avoid episodes of panic, which in severe cases amounts to never leaving home. For agoraphobics, participation in daily activities such as going to work, grocery shopping, running errands, going to church or social events, even visiting family and friends, is difficult if not impossible. Agoraphobia cannot be prevented, but it can be treated. Treatment usually involves both psychotherapy and medication. Antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs are used to treat physical symptoms, while psychotherapy can help patients gradually become desensitized to their fears. However, treatment is most successful when help is sought early on. Some agoraphobics are literally housebound for years, and fear and phobias only become more deeply entrenched as time goes by. 
Social Security Disability and SSI Disability Information
Disability Attorneys Help with Claims Free Case Evaluation |