Panic Attacks – Agoraphobia Really Boils Down To Being Afraid Of Panic Attacks!

Agoraphobia is a very common anxiety disorder. It affects roughly 1 in 20 Americans in varying forms and degrees. The only disorder more common is alcoholism. This type of anxiety is fear based. You are afraid that you will be caught in a situation where it will be difficult or embarrassing to leave quickly if you have a panic attack. 

Agoraphobia and panic attacks are really necessary companions because it really boils down to being afraid of attacks. 

It is a condition that usually develops following panic. Since the panic was so frightening and made you so anxious you avoid situations that you associate with the potential to cause another attack.

Avoidance becomes a way of life and fear your middle name. People suffering from agoraphobia tend to avoid situations where escape would be difficult or embarrassing in the event of a panic attack.

For example, sufferers tend to avoid grocery stores, department stores and restaurants. They also don´t like confined spaces like tunnels, tents, buses, subways, bridges or even the hair dresser´s chair. Being at home alone can also be a great source of worry because who would help you if you had an attack? 

Agoraphobia is a fear based phobia that can severely limit your travel and associations with other people. It can have an extremely damaging effect on your life and can continue to spiral out of control. Of course, becoming a recluse and a shut in, afraid to venture out of your home is a worst case scenario.

There are many stages well before this and the disorder is treatable. You can help yourself, control the attacks and reduce or eliminate it.

The two basic criteria for diagnosis are:

1. You have anxiety about being in places or situations that it is either difficult or embarrassing to leave or it would be difficult to get help if you had panic symptoms strike.

2. You avoid places or situations where you are afraid you might have an attack or experience significant distress and anxiety.

The concept of avoidance is the crucial component in a diagnosis.  You may also have panic disorder or social phobia, which have common characteristics.

Agoraphobia is a particularly hard anxiety based problem to deal with because it goes to the heart of a person´s concern for their safety and security. With this disorder, particularly in more severe cases, it is hard to feel safe anywhere.  

Elevators, theaters, sporting events, lines, the subway, the bus, shopping malls, airplanes, bridges, these all become problematic and thus, you don´t go there. You name it, you feel unsafe there, and you worry about a panic attack overtaking you. 

What if you have a panic attack and no one is there to help you? Or worse, what if you have an attack and you have people staring at you, or you have to ask someone for help? That´s just too embarrassing!