Healthinmind/Mental Health Disorders/Anxiety
Disorders
Panic Disorder With Agoraphobia
Panic disorder with agoraphobia involves the same panic attacks as Panic
Disorder without Agoraphobia, but in the "with" case the person
tries to prevent the attacks from occurring by avoiding situations that
precipitate the attacks. Agoraphobia originally meant "fear of the
marketplace (agora)," but the agoraphobic person may avoid a variety
of situations, like elevators, walking on the street, or even going outside
the house. Thus the meaning of the word "agoraphobia" has been broadened a great deal. People with
agoraphobia may have their panic sufficiently under control to enter some
feared situations if they are accompanied by a trusted friend or family
member, or they may be too fearful to leave home under any conditions.
Several related types of behavioral
or cognitive-behavioral therapy are helpful in dealing with panic disorders with or
without agoraphobia, and several helpful medications are also available.
If you or someone you love has this disorder, you
may find relief if you consult a mental health professional (clinician,
therapist). A mental
health professional will conduct a thorough evaluation
to first understand what is happening and then will discuss treatment options,
including medications.
There are many ways family
members or loved ones can help individuals to deal with their disorder
better.
Read a book on
the subject:
Don't Panic :
Taking Control of Anxiety Attacks by Reid Wilson
Anxiety, Phobias,
and Panic:
A Step-By-Step Program for Regaining Control of Your Life by Reneau Z. Peurifoy
The Panic Attack
Recovery Book by Shirley Swede and Seymour Jaffe
Read
about two famous people who suffered
from panic disorder.
Visit the Anxiety Disorders of
America home page.
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