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What is the best way to treat agoraphobia?
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) CBT aims to break this cycle and find new ways of thinking that can help you behave more positively. For example, many people with agoraphobia have the unrealistic thought that if they have a panic attack it will kill them.
What are the best practices for agoraphobia?
- Follow your treatment plan. Keep therapy appointments. …
- Try not to avoid feared situations. …
- Learn calming skills. …
- Avoid alcohol and recreational drugs. …
- Take care of yourself. …
- Join a support group.
What is the treatment goal for agoraphobia?
Reduce the fear that panic symptoms will recur without the ability to manage them. Reduce the fear of triggering panic and eliminate avoidance of activities and environments thought to trigger panic. Increase comfort in freely leaving home and being in a public environment.
What help is available for agoraphobia?
You’ll usually be prescribed a course of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which are also used to treat anxiety and depression. In severe cases of agoraphobia, medication can be used in combination with other types of treatment, such as CBT and relaxation therapy.
What is the first line treatment for agoraphobia?
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors Serotonin is thought to regulate your mood. SSRIs are typically considered first-choice treatments for agoraphobia.
How can I treat agoraphobia at home?
- Practice Systemic Desensitization. Systemic desensitization for agoraphobia is one option that may help you. …
- Implement Coping Skills. …
- Stress-Management Relaxation Techniques. …
- Address Underlying Issues. …
- Seek Professional Help.
What are the 2 types of agoraphobia?
In the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), the diagnostic manual used by psychiatrists, psychologists and other mental health professionals, two types of agoraphobia include panic disorder with agoraphobia and agoraphobia without a history of panic disorder.
What is the recovery rate for agoraphobia?
As many as 1 in 2 people with agoraphobia who receive treatment may make a full recovery. Others may see a significant improvement, with symptoms only reoccurring in times of stress. Without treatment, around 10% of people experience significant or total relief from symptoms.
How is agoraphobia diagnosed?
A diagnosis of agoraphobia can usually be made if: you’re anxious about being in a place or situation where escape or help may be difficult if you feel panicky or have a panic attack, such as in a crowd or on a bus. you avoid situations described above, or endure them with extreme anxiety or the help of a companion.
What is the main cause of agoraphobia?
Psychological factors experiencing a stressful event, such as bereavement, divorce, or losing your job. a previous history of mental illnesses, such as depression, anorexia nervosa or bulimia. alcohol misuse or drug misuse. being in an unhappy relationship, or in a relationship where your partner is very controlling.
What are two symptoms of agoraphobia?
- avoiding situations that could lead to panic attacks, such as crowded places, public transport and queues.
- being housebound – not being able to leave the house for long periods of time.
- needing to be with someone you trust when going anywhere.
What is the psychological test for agoraphobia?
The APPQ is a 27-item self-report questionnaire that measures fear of situations and activities that are often avoided by people who suffer from agoraphobia and social phobia. Each item is rated on a nine-point scale ranging from 0 (no fear) to 8 (extreme fear). The APPQ takes 5 minutes to complete.
Can agoraphobia be completely cured?
While a specific agoraphobia cure is unknown, people with this condition who undergo talk therapy (and medication in severe cases) can learn how to overcome their symptoms.