Agoraphobia affects women more than men

Agoraphobia is the fear of being in any place, whether open or closed, in which one may have a strong reaction of discomfort or anxiety. It affects, like most anxiety disorders, more women than men. This is largely due to the hormonal factor.

Many people think that agoraphobia is only the fear of open spaces, but it is much more than that. For example, agoraphobia can be caused by being away from home or traveling on any type of transportation.

Agoraphobia is a highly disabling mental disorder that often results in sick leave from work as well as difficulties in leading a normal family, social and/or relationship life. The person suffering from agoraphobia often feels unable to perform such normal, everyday activities as shopping, driving, traveling on public transportation, and going to shopping malls or concerts.

As mentioned above, agoraphobia affects more women than men. In addition, it is more common in people with high trait anxiety (they perceive situations as more threatening than people with low levels of anxiety), perfectionists (they demand much more of themselves and tend to be very controlling), with high levels of stress (a trigger for many mental disorders) and with a history of substance use (especially tobacco and cannabis).

Causes of agoraphobia

Agoraphobia can develop after several panic attacks or it can also occur without panic attacks.

Some people suffering from agoraphobia are often worried that something dangerous to their health will happen to them because of anxiety and that no one can help them. For example, having a heart attack on the subway or fainting in the middle of the street. Other people also worry that, because of their anxiety, they will lose control and others will notice and think something negative about them, which in turn generates more anxiety. For example, sweating, turning red or the need to go to the bathroom. This type of reaction in people can become so strong that it can trigger a panic attack.

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In addition to the typical symptoms of a panic attack (such as dizziness, sweating, increased heart rate or fear of going crazy or dying), agoraphobia may present other physical symptoms such as:

  • Tunnel vision or sensitivity to light
  • Muscle spasms
  • Urinary retention problems
  • Weakness or fatigue
  • Diarrhea
  • Dizziness

Agoraphobia: treatment

Drug treatment is not necessary to treat agoraphobia, as long as the person does not have suicidal intent. It is usually sufficient if treated with an evidence-based psychological technique, such as cognitive behavioral therapy.

After 10 to 12 sessions of cognitive behavioral treatment lasting approximately one hour, the patient is usually cured. The results are maintained over the long term without the need for medication.