Agoraphobia

Agoraphobia is considered an anxiety disorder.  Individuals with agoraphobia may experience frightening panic attacks in situations where they feel trapped, not in full control, insecure, or when they are not in their comfort zone. In severe cases, an agoraphobic may be confined to their home, and sometimes to one or two rooms.  These fears can severely restrict one’s life.  Often having a history of panic attacks is a risk factor for developing agoraphobia. 

Psychotherapy-Agoraphobia-Toronto

 

Agoraphobia-Psychotherapist-Toronto

Signs of Agoraphobia

  • Shortness of breath
  • Heart palpitations
  • Chest pain or discomfort
  • Trembling or shaking
  • Choking feeling
  • Feeling unreal or detached from your surroundings
  • Fear of having a panic attack
  • Fear of spending time alone
  • Fear of places where escape might be hard
  • Fear of losing control in a public place
  • Fear of being at home alone
  • Feeling helpless
  • Feeling agitated
  • Fear of dying, losing control
  • Nausea or other stomach distress
  • Numbness or tingling

 

Psychotherapy for Agoraphobia

Psychotherapy assists the individual with strategies such as education and and cognitive skills to reduce symptoms and prevent the development of more severe forms of agoraphobia. Certain ways of thinking can trigger anxiety, depression and phobias. Understanding your current thought patterns and identifying harmful, unhelpful, and false ideas or attitudes will reduce anxiety. Learning how to control your anxiety when you face feared situations is a very necessary tool as well as using deep breathing techniques.  

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