Can panic disorder and agoraphobia occur together?

This fear usually develops after a person has experienced one or more panic attacks, which is why they develop a fear of having a panic attack in front of people. Although they are separate entities, it is natural that panic disorder and agoraphobia usually occur together.

Which disorder is most likely to occur with agoraphobia?

According to the DSM-5, the most common differential diagnoses for agoraphobia include specific phobia, separation anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, acute stress disorder or posttraumatic stress disorder, and major depressive disorder.

Which anxiety disorder is tied in with agoraphobia?

Related Conditions and Causes of Agoraphobia Agoraphobia is often associated with panic disorder, an anxiety disorder in which a person experiences recurrent panic attacks. These attacks are intense, sudden bouts of fear or terror that develop when no actual danger is present.

What medication is used for panic disorder with agoraphobia?

Certain antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as fluoxetine (Prozac) and sertraline (Zoloft), are used for the treatment of panic disorder with agoraphobia.

What should you not say to agoraphobia?

It’s easy to belittle or dismiss the person’s feelings if you don’t struggle with this disorder. Don’t say “get over it” or “toughen up.” This can be frustrating for a person with agoraphobia and it can prevent them from reaching out for help in the future.

Is agoraphobia a severe mental illness?

Agoraphobia is a type of anxiety disorder. A person with agoraphobia is afraid to leave environments they know or consider to be safe. In severe cases, a person with agoraphobia considers their home to be the only safe environment.

What is the root cause of agoraphobia?

Agoraphobia is caused by the fear of people, crowds, open spaces and other things that exist outside the house. Ultimately, the condition results in a fear of leaving home entirely. Millions of Americans suffer from agoraphobia.

What is the difference between agoraphobia and social anxiety?

The difference between social anxiety and agoraphobia is that a person with agoraphobia fears having anxiety attacks or losing control in specific situations, while a person with social anxiety worries about being judged or feeling embarrassed in social situations.

What is the fastest acting anxiety medication?

Drugs such as Xanax (alprazolam), Klonopin (clonazepam), Valium (diazepam), and Ativan (lorazepam) work quickly, typically bringing relief within 30 minutes to an hour. That makes them very effective when taken during a panic attack or another overwhelming anxiety episode.

How do you calm someone with agoraphobia?

7 Steps to Help Ease Agoraphobia

1. Learn More. Agoraphobia is a complex and often misunderstood anxiety disorder.
2. Practice Patience.
3. Don’t Trivialize the Person’s Feelings and Experiences.
4. Help Your Friend Create An Anxiety Plan.
5. Be a Support System.
6. Regularly Check-In.
7. Encourage Them to Seek Professional Treatment.

What is the best medicine for agoraphobia?

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) An SSRI called sertraline is usually recommended for people with agoraphobia.

How to diagnose agoraphobia with panic disorder?

Abstract Agoraphobia with panic disorder is a phobic-anxious syndrome where patients avoid situations or places in which they fear being embarrassed, or being unable to escape or get help if a panic attack occurs.

Why do people with panic disorder avoid open spaces?

A significant change in behaviour related to the attacks. Agoraphobia is often thought to mean that people are afraid of ‘open spaces’. This is partly true. Many people with panic disorder avoid a number of situations because of their fears.

How to diagnose panic disorder in Australia?

2 In Australia and New Zealand most clinicians use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) to diagnose panic disorder. It is available in most libraries.

Can You Leave your home if you have agoraphobia?

The fear can be so overwhelming that you may feel unable to leave your home. Agoraphobia treatment can be challenging because it usually means confronting your fears. But with psychotherapy and medications, you can escape the trap of agoraphobia and live a more enjoyable life. Typical agoraphobia symptoms include fear of: