The word agoraphobia has its origin in the Greek “Agora” (square) and “Phobos” (phobia) and is summarized in the intense fear that certain people can suffer from of open spaces or places from which it can be difficult to escape, in the case of having a panic attack or similar symptoms.
What does the person with agoraphobia feel?
The person suffering from agoraphobia feels a fear and anguish that makes them unable to be in open spaces, tunnels, bridges, means of transport from which they cannot get out quickly and crowded places, such as department stores, theaters, concerts, soccer fields…
In the event that the person is in the feared situation or in some cases just thinking about it, he/she may begin to suffer a series of symptoms such as tachycardia, pressure in the chest, feeling of drowning, dizziness, fainting, feeling of unreality… This causes that many people cannot leave home unaccompanied or in the most severe cases cannot even stay alone at home.
In short, people suffering from this disorder live without freedom and are prisoners of their own fear. They live in a prison of their own making.
What is the prognosis of agoraphobia and is there a cure?
The treatment for agoraphobia has to be effective and of a short duration, since the limitations and suffering of the person should not be prolonged for too long. In the most severe cases, the person may seek refuge in his or her own home and isolate him or herself completely from the outside world. This can hinder the success of psychological treatment, as it always has to rely on someone to bring them in for consultation. Many of these patients choose to abandon the treatment.
For these cases, online psychological therapy can be an option. This type of treatment is giving very good results since the person starts the treatment from home and gradually and realistically sets goals. The goals can range from going down to the doorway of his house, walk around the block or even take a subway ride accompanied by a family member. At this stage, the basics of treatment are explained and cognitive restructuring begins. When the person gains confidence and overcomes the “fear of fear”, he/she can begin to regain mobility and autonomy, and when he/she feels ready is when he/she should attend face-to-face therapy.
The prognosis of this pathology is very positive with appropriate cognitive-behavioral treatment.