People suffering from anxiety disorders such as agoraphobia and social phobia experience panic symptoms that are caused by certain situations. A sufferer of social phobia is afraid of being in situations when he or she is at the focus of a group, like public speaking for example. Their fear of embarrassing themselves is so strong that they will try and avoid these situations at all costs.
In some cases this disorder is found to be caused by a genetic factor and might exist in several members in a family. Professionals have come to the conclusion that social anxiety is a learned habit which can affect anyone. Bullied or abused children are much more likely to develop this disorder. Even as adults we can develop this condition through negative associations and experiences.
Agoraphobia like social phobia, affects more women than it does men. Those with this disorder have extreme fears of having a panic attack in public. Common fears are crowded environments and places where one can’t escape easily. Being at a group seminar, waiting at a bus stop and even going to the supermarket can trigger attacks.
This disorder sometime gets mistaken as social anxiety for obvious reasons. It was once considered that panic attacks were only related to panic disorder; another anxiety disorder. This is now not the case since studies have shown that many agoraphobes do not have panic disorder.
Panic attacks associated with panic disorder seem to be a lot less predictable. Agoraphobes usually experience Panic symptoms when they are confronted with their fear. At the beginning, symptoms may be slight such as hot flashes, tingling sensations and trembling.
These symptoms might escalate and the sufferer might experience extreme fear, embarrassment and sensations such as derealization. In extreme cases people with agoraphobia stay at home for months at a time without stepping out. This makes life very difficult to cope with.
Day to day life is limited and it’s no surprise how depressing and lonely it can be. Making a life, pursuing a career or having a relationship can seem like impossible tasks. Studies have shown that depressive disorders develop much more easily in those with agoraphobia. A high proportion of male sufferers turn to alcohol as a way to cope with panic symptoms.
Breaking free from social phobia or agoraphobia is highly achievable with Anxiety Help. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is being increasingly used over medicine. Changes to lifestyle to improve overall health can make difference too. Also self help techniques including EFT, visualization and relaxation techniques very helpful.
Some agoraphobes may avoid going to see a doctor for anxiety help because they simply can’t do it. This dilemma means that potentially thousands or millions are not treated. However, it’s important to seek professional anxiety help for proper diagnosis and effective treatment. Ask a family member to go with you for support.
Behavioral therapy might include techniques to help you adjust to your fears over time. Old behaviors can be replaced by new positive ones this way. As well as therapy, some sufferers find support groups helpful. Talking about problems and giving support to others can often help with recovery. If that seems daunting, anxiety forums on the internet also exist.
Diseases, Conditions and Treatments • November 13th, 2009 •