How to Beat Agoraphobia

Agoraphobia can be a debilitating disorder, which affects a person's ability to feel safe and comfortable in public places. Since agoraphobia is a type of anxiety disorder, treatment may involve psychotherapy and medication. Fortunately, there are several treatments that are effective, allowing people to reduce symptoms associated with agoraphobia.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Make an appointment with a psychiatrist, who can assess your symptoms, diagnose agoraphobia and provide medication if necessary. Medication may relieve your symptoms enough so that you can venture out for additional therapy.

2. Locate a counselor or psychologist who has specific training in treating agoraphobia. Therapists may be willing to do initial sessions in your home, if your symptoms are severe.

3. Work with your psychologist or counselor to uncover the reasons for your fears. While agoraphobia can be attributed to genetics and personality traits, negative experiences can also lead to agoraphobia.

4. Participate in cognitive behavior therapy, which involves identifying symptoms that are consistent with agoraphobia and then determining strategies to treat those specific symptoms. Write down these strategies in a notebook you carry with you.

5. Practice going to places that make you uncomfortable. Use the strategies that you learned in therapy. If anxiety overcomes your ability to remember strategies, sit down and take out your notebook. Go through the strategies one at a time.

6. Keep a regular journal of your experiences. Note the circumstances and your reaction to the environment. Note how well each of your strategies worked.

7. Consider participating in relaxing activities such as yoga or meditation.

Tips & Warnings

• Ask a friend to accompany you to appointments and practice sessions.
• Don't use alcohol or other controlled substances to treat symptoms.

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[saprice]

on 7/12/2008 As someone who recovered from agoraphobia, I would like to add that it's important to choose a therapist who practices cognitive-behavioral therapy. Cognitive therapy is replacing your fear-inducing thoughts. Behavioral therapy is learning relaxation skills and gradually facing your fears. According to research, cognitive-behavioral therapy is the most effective treatment for agoraphobia, with about 90% of people who practice it consistently seeing a reduction in fear and panic symptoms within 12-16 weeks. Unfortunately all psychologists who treat agoraphobia do not practice it. I learned this the hard way. Stephen Price, http://www.agoraphobiahelp.com