How To Treat Agoraphobia And Panic Attacks

What causes panic attacks isn't always clear but the symptoms are intense. The victim begins feeling dizziness, chest pain, a choking feeling, hot flashes or chills, nausea, heart palpitations, sweating, shortness of breath, trembling and numbness. They may have a fear of being out of control, going crazy or even dying.

This panicked sensation might make them feel as though they need to escape the situation somehow, and yet they are paralyzed to inaction. Agoraphobia involves anxiety about being in situations that are hard to escape, the fear of being alone, the fear of detachment from others, a sensation of utter helplessness and the fear of losing control in public places. In a third of all panic disorder cases, agoraphobia and panic attacks are combined.

The treatment for agoraphobia and for panic attacks is aimed at helping individuals function better in everyday life. The success of treatment depends upon how bad the agoraphobia and panic is. Some people with agoraphobia begin to feel nervous in public, while others remain in their homes for weeks on end, absolutely petrified of the outside world.

The most successful treatment combines medication with cognitive-behavioral therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy seeks to give the patient a newfound sense of control by helping the individual understand what is happening during panic and anxiety attacks and how to handle unwanted thoughts or physical reactions. The individual learns what is realistic and unrealistic and gradually learns to control irrational fear through continued exposure.

Serotonin Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors are a class of antidepressant drugs used to treat agoraphobia and panic attacks. This panic attack medication increases the levels of the neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine by preventing their reabsorption into brain cells.

Side effects include upset stomach, headaches, insomnia, sexual dysfunction and a slight blood pressure increase. However, the prevalence of side effects is greatly diminished compared to other medicines designed to stop panic, and SNRIs are often used as a first line defense against the symptoms of anxiety attacks.

If therapeutic treatment and medication are not sought, then the patient could suffer some severe consequences. Most often, panic attack disorder leads to severe depression, loneliness and sometimes even suicide. More than half of panic disorder patients with agoraphobia begin abusing alcohol or drugs in their attempt to self-medicate.

Agoraphobia and panic attacks make functioning in social situations and work settings nearly impossible. Patients should not overlook moroseness, low self esteem, feeling crazy or feelings of hopelessness. The earlier treatment is sought, the more successful it tends to be.