Agoraphobia Therapy in HalifaxAgoraphobia is often misunderstood as a fear of open spaces.
In fact, agoraphobia is diagnosed when a person experiences intense anxiety or fear about being in places or situations from which escape would be difficult. The person may view escape as difficult due to the physical setting (e.g., a crowded theatre), or social constraints (e.g., getting up and leaving during a class). Someone who has the subtype of agoraphobia with panic attacks may also avoid situations in which help may not be available if he / she has a panic attack. |
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What is the defining feature of agoraphobia?
The defining feature of agoraphobia is a fear of being in a place where a symptom attack (often a panic attack) may occur, combined with being unable to “escape” from this situation or environment.
These attacks are perceived by the person as uncontrollable, unpredictable, and likely to lead to something terrible happening such as being very embarrassed, losing control, going “crazy”, or even dying.
These attacks are perceived by the person as uncontrollable, unpredictable, and likely to lead to something terrible happening such as being very embarrassed, losing control, going “crazy”, or even dying.
What causes agoraphobia?
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Similar to most mental health and psychological difficulties, agoraphobia is not caused by a single factor.
Most research suggests that agoraphobia is caused by a combination of factors including genetic predisposition, biochemical influences, stress, reinforcement patterns, and inaccurate beliefs about physical sensations in the body. |
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How common is agoraphobia?
Although estimates vary, many studies find agoraphobia prevalence rates of approximately 1% for the general population. Not surprisingly, many people with agoraphobia do not seek treatment and cope with it by avoiding feared situations whenever possible and suffering through them when they cannot be avoided. Agoraphobia is more common for women than for men.
How is agoraphobia treated?
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is the most common and effective form of treatment for agoraphobia. For agoraphobia, CBT focuses on challenging inaccurate thoughts that lead to panic or anxiety, learning breathing and relaxation techniques, and gradual exposure to feared situations while using specific coping strategies to remain calm.
Although “exposure” may sound scary, it is absolutely critical in the treatment of agoraphobia, proceeds very slowly, and is always designed to be manageable for the patient. Treatment may also focus on self-esteem and self-confidence.
Occasionally, treatment for agoraphobia will include the short term use of medication.
Although “exposure” may sound scary, it is absolutely critical in the treatment of agoraphobia, proceeds very slowly, and is always designed to be manageable for the patient. Treatment may also focus on self-esteem and self-confidence.
Occasionally, treatment for agoraphobia will include the short term use of medication.
How can I get help for agoraphobia in Halifax?
Agoraphobia can be effectively treated – it is possible to overcome these fears.
If you would like to receive help in the areas of Halifax, Bedford, Dartmouth, or anywhere in Nova Scotia, please read more about therapy and counselling, how to choose a psychologist, my treatment approach, and feel free to contact me if you have any questions or if you would like to set up an initial consultation.
Thanks!
If you would like to receive help in the areas of Halifax, Bedford, Dartmouth, or anywhere in Nova Scotia, please read more about therapy and counselling, how to choose a psychologist, my treatment approach, and feel free to contact me if you have any questions or if you would like to set up an initial consultation.
Thanks!
