Agoraphobia Therapy Brisbane Northside
There are individuals who experience extreme fear or anxiety when they are away from their safe space. As a result, they may avoid leaving their home for days, months, or even years. Brisbane northside residents who experience the same concern may opt to have their agoraphobia therapy done at Ubuntu Medical Stafford.
Originating from the Greek word “agora,” which means place of assembly or marketplace, agoraphobia is a fear on any public place that may seem threatening for the person afflicted with the condition.
Individuals with agoraphobia often have mild anxiety about a particular place, event, or situation that becomes a generalised fear of being in public places. Mental health professionals claim that agoraphobia is caused by the physical and mental sensations of anxiety. Oftentimes, a person with agoraphobia experiences panic or loss of control.
What Are the Symptoms of Agoraphobia?
- Anxiety when away from a safe environment
- Panic attacks
- Breathlessness
- Sweating
- Dizziness
- Fast heart rate
- Choking sensation
- Nausea
- Feelings of extreme fear
- Low confidence or self-esteem
- Depression
What Causes Agoraphobia?
What contributes to agoraphobia remains unclear but environmental factors play a great role. The brain perceives exposure to a non-space safe as an attack.
A research conducted by Louis Mourier Hospital in France reveals that anxiety disorders run in families and genetic factors may play a role in agoraphobia and other behavioral manifestations of agoraphobia.
How to Diagnose Agoraphobia?
The diagnosis of agoraphobia depends on the reported symptoms of the person afflicted with the illness. The doctor may request a series of tests to make sure that the mental condition is not caused by an underlying physical illness or another mental condition. The doctor may require further evaluation of the patient to a psychologist or psychiatrist.
What Are the Available Treatments For Agoraphobia?
There are several treatment options that a patient can opt to take. The treatment options would depend on the circumstances and preference and may include:
- Prescribed medications such as antidepressants or anxiety medications
- Cognitive behavior therapy
- Desensitisation
- Counselling
- Self-esteem therapy
- Relaxation training
- Meditation
- Group therapy
- Instruction and self-help methods
How to Manage Agoraphobia Through Self-Help Methods?
Breathe slowly. This will help prevent hyperventilation.
Apply relaxation techniques. Meditating and doing regular exercise is the common method used. Sometimes, it is advisable to experiment on the relaxation method that would work best for you.
Familiarize yourself with the triggers. Understand how it affects the physiological state.
Modify lifestyle. It might help to avoid food that might trigger uneasiness or anxiety. It is best to consult with your doctor for recommendations.
Overcome your fears. This involves getting yourself exposed to your feared environment. Take the less threatening environment when undergoing the desensitization process and apply other coping methods that help control your anxiety.
Going through a treatment for agoraphobia can possibly cure the condition. There are one out of three people who are going through treatment plans for agoraphobia who overcome their mental health condition. Meanwhile, half of those who undergo the treatment report significant improvement in managing their condition.
If the condition is not managed, it can affect the person’s everyday functioning. Anyone who is experiencing the symptoms should consult their doctor so that the treatment can be provided as early detection can possibly produce a favorable outcome.
Want professional therapy in Brisbane northside for your agoraphobia? Contact Ubuntu Medical Stafford today by calling us on (07) 3857 3777.
At Ubuntu Medical, we also do OCD Therapy.