Agoraphobia Explained
The definition, symptoms and treatment of Agoraphobia.
Mental illness is a popular subject with more and more people being diagnosed with all forms of anxiety disorders. These disorders are confusing and lead many feeling ashamed, but there’s nothing to feel ashamed about. Anxiety disorders are malfunctions of the neurotransmitters in the brain, specifically Serotonin, not shyness or simple embarrassment. A specific type of anxiety disorder is Agoraphobia.
Defined as having a fear of an embarrassing situation or open spaces. This illness can lead to a person becoming so overwhelmed with anxiety they never leave their house or even a room within the house. It can be compared to as the opposite of claustrophobia. As Agoraphobia is an English adoption of the Greek words agora and phobos, literally translated as “a fear of the marketplace”.
Symptoms include panic attacks which are random acts of extreme fear that paralyze. Some attacks consist of nausea and vomiting or trembling. All attacks are not created equal some last for minutes or others last hours. Having a panic attack in line at the grocery store could lead to avoidance of the supermarket. Attacks happening suddenly while asleep isn’t unheard of either. The avoidance of situations that cause panic attacks may become harmful as time goes on.
Treatment is usually sought out from a general practicer or a therapist. A general practicer usually asks about symptoms and may prescribe an antidepressant like Zoloft, commonly known as a SSRI, which allows the Serotonin in the brain to flow easily without being absorbed. A therapist focuses on teaching the patient to deal with the panic attacks and prescribes medication when necessary.
It is very wise to consult a physician if panic attacks start forming. They occur more commonly in females in their twenty’s then men in general. Anxiety is caused by so many different factors: Work, home, kids, bills, ect… But if it starts to alter functioning then action needs to be taken. Easier said then done as society puts a guilt trip on those who “can’t handle the heat”, but health is number one.
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