General Information About Agoraphobia
Agoraphobia is a condition where a person experiences extreme anxiety and fear about being in places where they think escape might be difficult or help might not be available, such as open spaces, crowds, or enclosed areas. This anxiety disorder can restrict a person's social life, even causing them to be unable to leave their home. With cognitive behavioral therapies and medical treatments applied in our psychiatry clinic, patients are enabled to regain their freedom.
Disease Details and Frequently Asked Questions
You can find detailed information about the condition under the headings below.
What is Agoraphobia?
It is an anxiety disorder in which a person experiences extreme fear of being in places where escape might be difficult or where they might not be able to get help if they suddenly need it.
Is it Only the Fear of Open Spaces?
No, it includes not only open spaces but also situations such as being in public transportation, elevators, cinemas, crowded shopping malls, or leaving the house alone.
What Causes It?
It generally develops after a severe panic attack experienced in the past, as the person begins to avoid similar environments where the attack occurred out of fear of experiencing it again.
What are the Symptoms?
Palpitations, shortness of breath, sweating, trembling, a feeling of losing control, and the urge to immediately escape from the environment, beginning when entering or thinking about entering the feared situation.
How Does It Affect Social Life?
If left untreated, avoidance behaviors progressively increase, the person confines themselves to their home where they feel safe, and work, school, and family life are seriously interrupted.
How is it Treated?
It can be successfully overcome with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) applied by psychiatry specialists, gradual exposure techniques to feared situations, and medications that reduce anxiety.
Our health library contents are prepared for informational purposes only and with scientific data available at the time of recording. For all your questions, concerns, diagnosis, or treatment regarding your health, please consult your doctor or a healthcare institution.
