Panic Disorder and Agoraphobia

Someone forward you this email? No Sweat! Sign up here to get your own If you're having trouble viewing this email, click here Follow Us Panic Disorder and Agoraphobia Panic attacks make up the main characteristics of panic disorder. These attacks occur through a variety of physical, emotional, and cognitive symptoms. For instance, common indicators of panic attacks include rapid heart rate, shaking, sweating, fearful thoughts, and intense worry. Agoraphobia is a separate anxiety-related condition that is often associated with panic attacks. Specifically, this disorder involves a fear of having a panic attack in a place or situation in which it would be extremely difficult or embarrassing to escape from. Learn more about this challenging phobia and how it relates to panic disorder.  Katharina Star, Ph.D. Panic Disorder Expert Agoraphobia 101 Approximately one-third of those diagnosed with panic disorder will also develop agoraphobia. This condition entails feelings of intense fear and anxiety that can be difficult to understand. The symptoms of agoraphobia can greatly limit one's overall quality of life, negatively impacting a person's relationships, career, and other important responsibilities. Find out more about this disorder through these 5 FAQs about agoraphobia. READ NOW Share Agoraphobia and Safety Behaviors People with agoraphobia often begin to avoid certain situations that they believe will lead to panic attacks. Common avoidances include crowds, open spaces, modes of transportation, and confined areas. Agoraphobics often become limited in their ability to feel safe outside of certain situations. Despite these avoidances, some people with agoraphobia may be able to face feared situations if accompanied by a trusted love one. However, relying on a "safety person" can lead to feelings of dependency and/or resentment. Here you will find more information on agoraphobia safety behaviors and where to get help for these symptoms. READ NOW Share How to Manage Being Homebound with Agoraphobia The intense fear and anxiety linked to agoraphobia can lead to extreme avoidance behaviors. In some circumstances, the agoraphobic may become too afraid to leave the comfort of the home. Agoraphobia can turn into a disabling condition in which the person's life becomes confined to the isolation of his/her home. Here you will information on how agoraphobia can advance into causing a person to become homebound out of fear. READ NOW Share Agoraphobia Treatment Options Agoraphobia can be a challenging mental health disorder to deal with. Fortunately, there is help available that can allow the agoraphobic to manage symptoms and live a full life despite his/her condition. Some of the most typical treatment options include medications, attending individual and/or group therapy, and developing self-help strategies. Listed here is additional information on the most common treatment options available for both panic disorder and agoraphobia. READ NOW Share Advertisement About Health   |   Follow Us: You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the About Panic Disorder newsletter. If you wish to unsubscribe, please click here. If you would like to unsubscribe from all newsletters sent from About.com, please send an email to optout@about.com with "Unsubscribe" as the subject line. 1500 Broadway, 6th Floor, New York, NY, 10036 © 2014 About.com - All rights reserved