The following is a good definition of AGORAPHOBIA and many of the
\nsymptoms that Agoraphobics experience. This definition was taken
\nfrom a pamphlet distributed by The Freedom From Fear Foundation.<\/p>\n
What is AGORAPHOBIA ?
\n———————
\nThe word AGORAPHOBIA is derived from two Greek words: AGORA, meaning
\na popular political assembly, which at one time took place in the
\nmarket place; and PHOBIA, meaning a fear or dread. Put together, the
\ntwo words can be interpreted literally as a fear of the market place.
\nIn fact, Agoraphobia is a condition in which sufferers experience a
\nmorbid fear of anything and everything outside of their own homes.<\/p>\n
A panic attack ?
\n—————-
\nYes. The panic attack is the most frightening experience that an
\nAgoraphobic can undergo. During such an attack, the anxiety escalates
\nto the point that the sufferer is actually incapacitated by it. It is
\na moment of sheer terror during which he is sure that he is going to
\ndie, go insane or at least become unconscious. He may experience any
\nof the following symptoms:<\/p>\n
– sweaty hands – palpitating heart – dizziness
\n– tightness in chest – hot flushes – blurred vision
\n– nausea – diarrhoea – free floating sensation<\/p>\n
Not all of these symptoms may be present in every panic attack and
\nothers not listed here may be present, but one ingredient is present
\nin every attack – a feeling of sheer terror.<\/p>\n
Does every Agoraphobic suffer panic attacks ?
\n———————————————
\nNot necessarily. In some cases the anxiety may be quite mild, but once
\na panic attack has been experienced the Agoraphobic has a new fear – that
\nof another attack. This creates still further fear of the outside and the
\nAgoraphobic becomes more and more hestitant about leaving the house.<\/p>\n
Are there other symptoms ?
\n————————–
\nYes. In addition to the physical symptoms described, a number of emotional
\nsymptoms may develop. These include:<\/p>\n
– feelings of inadequacy – guilt – depression
\n– irrational fears which cannot be overcome
\n– lack of confidence in oneself
\n– uneasiness in relation to oneself and to others<\/p>\n
What does this do to an Agoraphobic ?
\n————————————-
\nBecause of the anxiety experienced whenever the Agoraphobic goes
\noutside, he\/she tends to avoid situations requiring him\/her to do so.
\nThe Agoraphobic generally withdraws into thier home or other places of
\nsecurity, leaving it only for the most essential of reasons, and only
\nthen with great difficulty. In many cases, especially when panic
\nattacks have been experienced, the Agoraphobic becomes completely
\nhousebound, relying on others for his\/her very existance. Often the mere
\nthought of going outdside is enough to trigger the anxiety.<\/p>\n
This can often lead to other complicated consequences. Frequently the
\nsufferer becomes convinced that he\/she is going insane. If leaving the
\nhome is unavoidable on a regular basis, as when a person has to work
\nfor a living, a sufferer may take to alcohol ot other drugs for help,
\ncreating additional problems. Agoraphobia places a severe strain on a
\nmarriage, particularily where the partner is unable to understand the
\nfeelings of the sufferer. Other consequences can be:<\/p>\n
– loss of friends – hostility towards those one is dependant on
\n– isloation from family and friends<\/p>\n
If this condition widespread ?
\n——————————
\nYES. Because of the nature of the condition, however, sufferers tend
\nto hide themselves away, afraid to tell other how they feel. Almost
\ntypically the untreated Agoraphobic believes that he\/she is the only
\nperson to feel as he\/she does. We now know that there are many thousands
\nof sufferers in Canada and other countries. It is estimated that in
\nthe Toronto area alone, there are aprox. 300,000 sufferers. US estimates
\nare approx 20 MILLION sufferers. Many feel that the numbers are higher
\nsince many may not be classified as having Agoraphobia when they are
\ntreated for substance abuse. Many professionals in the field feel that
\nthe tendency towards substance abuse is linked to Agoraphobia.<\/p>\n
What can be done about it ?
\n—————————
\nThe first step is to convince the sufferer that he\/she is not alone,
\nthat he\/she is one of amny thousands of people in Canada suffering from
\nthis condition. The next step is to show him\/her that Agoraphobia is
\ntreatable. Professional treatment is usually but results of treatment in
\ngeneral, are good, and many thousands of people have been helped back
\nto normal living as a result of a proper treatment program.<\/p>\n
Agoraphobics seeking treatment are advised to to first consult their
\nfamily doctor. Make a printout of this bulletin and show it to your
\ndoctor, to the doctor better understand what the Agoraphobic feels.
\nYour doctor will the necessary referrals for you. Another bulletin will
\noutline where to seek treatment in the Toronto area.<\/p>\n
The key is to remember that many suffer from Agoraphobia and that there
\nis treatment for this problem.<\/p>\n
Note : this bulletin was put together by the staff at Canadian
\n Investor BBS (416) 897-6047 & 897-7065. Please feel free
\n to post this up as a bulletin on any BBS. We only ask that
\n you leave this note in your bulletin. The reason for that is
\n that Canadian Investor BBS has an area reserved for Agoraphobia
\n and panic & anxiety sufferers. <\/p>\n
