Agoraphobia

A person who suffers from agoraphobia feels fear at the possibility of being trapped or embarrassed or in some other way unable to cope.

Often, agoraphobia develops after a person has had one or more panic attacks—and fears having another panic attack while in public.

Signs & Symptoms of agoraphobia:

• Fear of being alone in a crowded place or social situation

• Fear of being in public and losing control

• Fear of being trapped in a place where it's difficult to leave—like a car, train, elevator, etc.

• Fear of leaving home, especially without someone to accompany you. Some people with agoraphobia can become virtually home-bound, almost never going anywhere.

• Feeling dependent on others, or helpless to manage without others

• Feeling embarrassed and distressed about their fears

As mentioned, agoraphobia often develops after a person has experienced one or more panic attacks. The symptoms of panic attacks are:

• Intense fear, or dread

• Dizziness, faintness, lightheadedness, disorientation.

• Fear of dying or of going crazy

• Feelings of detachment or unreality

• Shortness of breath, or feeling of smothering

• Palpitations or pounding heart

• Trembling or shaking

• Excessive Sweating

• Urge to escape

• Numbness or tingling in hands or fingers

• Fear of impending doom

• Feeling out of control

• Chills or hot flashes

• Nausea or stomach aches or cramps

• Chest pain

Because panic attacks have some of the main symptoms as dangerous medical conditions, such as heart disease, it's important to get a medical checkup if you have panic attack symptoms. In such a case, please see your physician to rule out an underlying physical condition.

But if you've determined that it is anxiety, and you'd like to begin the process of overcoming agoraphobia (and possibly panic attacks) and taking back more control over your life, please call Michael Posner, MSW, LCSW at (918) 809-4777.