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Understanding Agoraphobia: Causes & Treatments

Agoraphobia is characterized by marked fear or anxiety in situations such as public transportation and crowds, leading to significant life impairment and avoidance behaviors. It affects 1-2% of the population, is more common in women, and often co-occurs with panic disorder. Treatment options include Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, exposure therapy, medications, and lifestyle changes to manage symptoms.

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62 views6 pages

Understanding Agoraphobia: Causes & Treatments

Agoraphobia is characterized by marked fear or anxiety in situations such as public transportation and crowds, leading to significant life impairment and avoidance behaviors. It affects 1-2% of the population, is more common in women, and often co-occurs with panic disorder. Treatment options include Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, exposure therapy, medications, and lifestyle changes to manage symptoms.

Uploaded by

kristalclear27.0
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Agoraphobia

Diagnostic Criteria
• DSM-5 Criteria
• Marked fear or anxiety about 2+ of the following:
✅ Public transportation
✅ Open spaces
✅ Enclosed spaces
✅ Crowds/lines
✅ Being outside alone
• Key Features:
• Fear of being unable to escape or get help
• Situations always trigger fear/anxiety
• Avoided, need a companion, or endured with distress
• Fear is excessive & persistent (6+ months)
• Causes significant life impairment
• Not better explained by another condition
Prevalence
• Agoraphobia affects 1-2% of the
population over a lifetime and 0.9% of
U.S. adults yearly. It is twice as
common in women and typically begins
before age 35. The condition often
occurs with panic disorder but can
develop independently.
Etiology
• Agoraphobia develops due to a combination of
biological, psychological, and environmental
factors:
• Genetics: Higher risk if a close relative has anxiety
disorders.
• Brain Chemistry: Dysfunction in the amygdala
and fear-processing networks.
• Psychological Factors: Learned fear responses
from past panic attacks or trauma.
• Environmental Triggers: Stressful life events,
childhood trauma, or overprotective parenting.
• Cognitive Biases: Tendency to overestimate danger
and lack confidence in coping skills.
Treatments
• Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – Helps reframe
anxious thoughts and gradually face feared situations.
• Exposure Therapy – Gradual, controlled exposure to
feared environments to reduce avoidance.
• Medications:
• SSRIs (e.g., fluoxetine, sertraline) – First-line treatment
for anxiety.
• Benzodiazepines (short-term use) – Reduce acute
anxiety but risk dependence.
• Lifestyle Changes – Regular exercise, mindfulness, and
stress management techniques.
• Support Groups & Therapy – Provides encouragement
and coping strategies.
Misc Facts
• Onset: Usually begins in the late teens to
early 30s, but can develop at any age.
• Common Comorbidities: Often occurs with
panic disorder, depression, and other
anxiety disorders.
• Duration: Can be long-term if untreated, but
early treatment improves recovery.
• Impact on Life: Can cause social isolation,
difficulty working, and reduced quality of
life.
• Notable Cases: Some believe Charles
Darwin may have had agoraphobia.

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