At first glance, and as understood by literal translation, most people have the notion that agoraphobia is the fear of being in public or huge spaces. This is however is quite misleading, and it’s more associated with the condition of panic disorders.
It is understood that the main reason one would avoid public spaces is because if an episode were to happen, they would fear embarrassment or the fact that they may actually lose control. The best way to deal with this is to get some form of agoraphobia treatment to ensure that the afflicted individual will be able to go about their daily lives without this concern.
As previously mentioned, agoraphobia is associated with panic disorders and therefore can be treated, as other illnesses of this sort are treated medically. Anti-depressants are employed in order to suppress anxiety along with other psychological symptoms that may surface while being in public.
Benzodiazepines and SSRIs are a few drugs that can be administered; the side effects that come with this treatment concerning other illnesses are the same in this case for agoraphobia treatment. These can be discussed at length with a doctor who can alter the course of treatment depending on the patients reaction.
A non-medicated and popular treatment for agoraphobia is therapy. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is used in treatment for illnesses of this sort, and is also a method employed by medical professionals in the agoraphobia treatment. This method includes the patient learning how to cope with the thoughts that may initiate an attack; this includes thoughts of wide open spaces, anxiety, or even panicking itself. The patient is then taught to convert these thoughts to positive ones that in turn help them to cope.
Hypnotherapy is another method employed that comes under the umbrella of CBT. This is for patients who panic at the very thought of being in public, etc. This method works by the patient confronting the fear, but may not be conscious of this happening. The way it works is that hypnosis of the subconscious may cause to forget being asked interrogative questions.
Yet another technique, such as relaxation techniques, may be used and is both psychological and physical. Breathing strategies helps to slow down the heart and breathing rate, allowing one to think rationally and gain/regain control of the situation. The psychological aspect comes in the ability to reduce stress, and to let go and unwind. This technique is great for pre-attacks and post-attacks.
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