"I used to have a job,
socialize, and do errands by myself, but not anymore. I'm terrified
that
if I leave the house I'll have another panic attack and won't
be able to handle it. I feel like a
prisoner in my own house, but
the thought of having another panic attack out there is even
more
terrifying."
Agoraphobia:
Agoraphobia is defined as an abnormal
fear of being helpless in a situation in which you would feel
trapped, helpless, or out of control. In this condition, you
restrict your
daily activities and refuse
to go places where you feel out of control or might have a panic
attack and find escape difficult.
Agoraphobia is a condition that
often but not always occurs with panic
disorder. Early detection and treatment of panic disorder
is key to preventing or minimizing agoraphobia.
People with agoraphobia have
certain "safety zones" in which they feel comfortable.
They refuse to stray beyond their safety zones. For example, a
person may feel comfortable going to a few select stores or driving
a specific route home to and from work.
If agoraphobia is left untreated, over time the feeling of lack of
control can grow and the safety zones become fewer and fewer. Some
people with this condition refuse to leave their homes for months or
even years at a time.
Related
information:
Frequently
Asked Questions about Anxiety
Anxiety
Self-quiz
Types
of Anxiety Disorders
Conquer
Anxiety Success Program
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