Agoraphobia By Anka Tezcan
Dec 24, 2014
Agoraphobia
By Anka Tezcan
Definition
• A fear of being in places where is may be difficult or embarrassing to get out quickly if one has a panic attack.
• Patients have a hard time in public places, crowds, and fear many places such as sporting events, public transportation, etc.
Causes
• When one begins to associate his panic attacks with one or more situations that have occurred outside.
Symptoms
• Fear of being alone, in crowded places, losing control in a public place, inability to leave one’s house for long periods.
• Could also have symptoms similar to those of a panic attack: lightheadedness, dizziness, trouble breathing.
Prevalence of Illness
• Usually begins from late early adolescence to early adulthood.
• Between 1 and 5% of people in the U.S. develop agoraphobia in their lifetime.
• Women are diagnosed with it more often than men.
Possible Cures
• Combination of medication and psychotherapy.
• Cognitive behavior therapy
Examples on Television
• Monk
Examples on Television (ctd.)
• Hey Arnold- Stoop Kid