Agoraphobia: definition, causes, how to avoid panic?

L’agoraphobic suffers fromgoraphobiaa a kind of anxiety related to finding oneself in places or situations from which it would be difficult or impossible to escape. The term seems to have been created by the German doctor KF Westphal, who described this type of pathological manifestation in 1872. Agoraphobia is part anxiety disorders. Why are some people agoraphobic? By which symptoms it manifests ? How to cure agoraphobia? The point on the causes, the clinical signs, the tests to diagnose it and the solutions to overcome it effectively (plants, TCC, drugs, alternative medicine).

Definition: what is agoraphobia?

“Agoraphobia is characterized by a fear or marked and excessive anxiety that occurs in response to multiple situations where escape might be difficult or help might not be availableas taking public transport, being in the middle of a crowd, being out of the house alone (eg. in shops, theatres, queues)“ defines the WHO in the ICD-11 (classification of diseases). The agoraphobic individual is afraid of negative events that could occur. specific (panic attacks for example). These situations are either avoided or endured with intense suffering. The evolution of agoraphobia is variable and depends on the intensity of the disorder and the treatment. It is not uncommon for seizures to lessen or disappear completely in adulthood, but in some cases, they persist or even worsen.

Where does the name “agoraphobia” come from?

Agoraphobia literally means the phobia of open spaces and public places. The term “agoraphobia” comes from the Greek “agora” which means “assembly” and “phobia” for “fear”.

What are the causes of agoraphobia?

The causes of this anxiety disorder can be different from one agoraphobe to another. However, it usually occurs in anxious personalitiesmost of the time following a mental trauma (accident, bereavement, unemployment, etc.) recent or distant. Thus, this state can be developed at any age by any individual. It can also be accompanied by other syndromes such as other phobias, obsessive compulsive disorder (TOC) or depression.

What are the symptoms of agoraphobia?

Agoraphobia can be very debilitating and manifest itself more or less intensely depending on the situation and the person. In general, anxiety results in the form of anxiety attacks or “panic attacks” which paralyze in a few minutes. This type of crisis can occur anywhere and at any time, even if certain situations are favorable to its triggering (crowds, small spaces, etc.). If you experience at least 4 of the 13 symptoms following, it means you are probably having a panic attack.

With the exception of people with specific pathologies (cardiac deficiency, asthmatics, etc.), the seizures do not present any danger to health or the life of the subject. Nevertheless, victims compare these episodes to the sensation of dying and fear feel faint and we cannot help them.

Figures: how many people are agoraphobic in France?

Agoraphobia affects 0.6% and 1.8% of the French population. This type of problem occurs often in adolescents and the young adult. But children or older people can also trigger a first attack. The frequency is very variable: some may have a panic attack every year or even more, others three to four attacks per week.

The earlier the affected person consults, the better their chances of recovery.

Do not wait until you are no longer able to do your usual activities to consult your doctor and/or a psychiatrist who can help you make the diagnosis and suggest solutions to help you. There are no specific tests to diagnose agoraphobia. Only a health professional (general practitioner or psychiatrist) can make diagnosis based on DSM 5 criteria (the 5th Edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders). To meet the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria, patients must have marked and persistent fear or anxiety (greater than or equal to 6 months) aboutat least two of the following :

• Use public transport
• Being in open spaces (e.g. parking lot, market)
• Being in an enclosed place (e.g. store, theatre)
• Stand in line or stand in the middle of the crowd
• Being alone outside the house

Fear should involve thoughts that escape from the situation might be difficult or that patients would not receive help if paralyzed by fear or having a panic attack. In addition, all of the following must be present:

• The same situations almost always trigger fear or anxiety.
• Patients actively avoid the situation and/or require the presence of a companion.
• The fear or anxiety is out of proportion to the actual threat (taking into account socio-cultural norms).
• Fear, anxiety, and/or avoidance cause significant or significant distress that impairs social or occupational functioning.

What is the treatment for agoraphobia?

Agoraphobia is a treatable disease. Recognized treatments allow sufferers to regain control over their lives and daily activities. The earlier the affected person consults, the better their chances of recovery. In the majority of cases, it is effectively treated with psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of these two treatments. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is here reference therapy agoraphobia. Always in addition to psychotherapy (which must remain the first treatment for agoraphobia), different drugs may be prescribed by the doctor to treat panic disorder, including antidepressants and anxiolytics.

Is CBT effective in curing agoraphobia?

Cognitive and behavioral therapy is very effective in dealing with fears and phobias. It aims to modify the person’s problematic thoughts and behaviors and replace them with thoughts and reactions appropriate to reality. The learning of relaxation, and the accompaniment of the patient by the therapist in an anxiety-provoking situation make it possible to make the crises disappear gradually.

What are the natural remedies to relieve agoraphobia?

As with any anxiety disorder, natural treatments can be effective on agoraphobia, in addition to psychological and medical care if necessary. The help of a homeopath can be useful: Aconitum Napellus 15 to 30 CH (3 pellets) or Gelsenium 15 CH (3 to 5 granules) in case of crisis and Gelsenium 9 CH as background treatment, just like theargentum Nitricum 9 CH (3 pellets 3 times a day). Some plants like valerian, passionflower or hawthorn can also be useful on the crisis or in background treatment, just like hypnosis, sophrology, acupuncture, yoga or meditation for example.