Fear Of Open Spaces

Fear of open spaces is a difficult anxiety disorder that is more commonly referred to as ‘agoraphobia’. Agoraphobia is termed ‘fear of open places’ but it's actually a very serious anxiety disorder that typically develops when panic attacks go untreated.

The fear in ‘fear of open spaces’ is not about open spaces themselves. Fear of open spaces is a more of a fear of experiencing panic and not being able to get away. Agoraphobia develops after panic attacks are happening regularly for a very long time.

Symptoms of fear of open spaces can be complicated and include:.

• Fear of crowded places.

• Fear of using public transportation.

• Severe, recurring panic attacks.

• Fear of leaving what's familiar.

• Leaving home always triggers panic.

• Must rely on others heavily.

• Loss of social support, isolation.

Agoraphobia is a very extreme version of panic disorder. Agoraphobia can develop alone or it can occur alongside other emotional or mental illnesses. Common problems that may occur alongside agoraphobia include Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), clinical depression, post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD), obsessive-compulsive disorder, and social anxiety disorder.

Anxiety disorders are the most commonly diagnosed mental disorders in America these days. Over 30% of all the money currently spent on mental health problems goes toward treating anxiety and anxiety disorders.

Agoraphobia is a very serious disorder. Dependence on others and a tendency to become totally housebound. Ordinary tasks like bringing in the mail become impossible.

Agoraphobics usually start out having panic disorder first. Panic disorder is characterised by shortness of breath, tightness or pain in the chest, dizziness, nausea, fear, confusion, and tingling or numbness in the hands, feet, and face that come with regular bouts of intense fear.

Panic attacks are very similar in look and feel to heart attacks. Multiple ER visits are usually made before victims receive a diagnosis of panic disorder. Physicians need to run tests to tell panic from heart disease.

Avoidance is a common strategy for preventing recurring attacks. They begin to avoid public places. Avoidance that becomes a habit leads to agoraphobia. Immediate treatment is important to prevent agoraphobics from becoming housebound and totally dependent.

Agoraphobia can be successfully treated however. Full recovery is normal. Treatment for agoraphobia could involve therapy, drugs, or both.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is almost always used as a part of a treatment strategy. CBT ‘reframes’ the agoraphobic’s feelings and ideas so that panic gradually diminishes.

Systematic desensitization is additionally used to treat agoraphobia. Systematic desensitization slowly exposes the agoraphobic to increasing levels of stressful stimuli. Exposure is continued at each increase until no fear results. Stressful stimuli are then slightly increased again.

SSRI antidepressant medication is the most commonly prescribed drug therapy for agoraphobia. SSRI medication relieve anxiety by increasing the amount of serotonin within the bloodstream.

Serotonin is a natural tranquilizer made in the human body. Some folks cannot maintain healthy serotonin levels without medication, although the reason for this is still unknown.