Agoraphobia without a history of Panic Disorder

There are two main causes of Agoraphobia without a history of Panic Disorder. The first is when a person has experienced a traumatic or particularly stressful event. The avoidance behaviour is a strategy allowing them to feel relatively safe. An example might be someone who's been the victim of a random assault.

The second cause is when a person uses avoidance as a strategy to prevent the likelihood of having a  'limited symptom' attack. This type of attack does not meet the criteria for Panic Disorder. Lisa's story is a good example of such an attack. 

 

Risk factor for developing Agoraphobia

 

The 'Comfort Zone'

People who experience Agoraphobia avoid certain places as a way of managing their anxiety. However, they often have comfort zone, which includes places or an area in which they feel relatively at ease.  In the early stages of Agoraphobia a person may live a relatively normal life by avoiding the few places where they feel anxious. Later and as the disorder progresses, a comfort zone might be limited to a familiar area such as the distance between home, the local shops and the children's school. If help is not sought, a comfort zone can shrink to where the person only feels safe at home.

 

Treatment of Agoraphobia

Agoraphobia requires professional treatment. This treatment will sometimes include anti-depressants  where depression is present, or anti-anxiety medication (Valium, Xanax) for short-term anxiety management. 

Counselling that includes Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) has been proven to be successful for Agoraphobia as it addresses unhelpful thought patterns and the behaviours which perpetuate the disorder. A technique called Graded Exposure allows for the gradual exposure to places or situations which are currently being avoided. This is achieved through taking small steps, at a pace that's comfortable for you.