Panic disorder with agoraphobia affects .08 percent of the U.S. population, the National Institute of Mental Health states. According to The Mayo Clinic, an individual suffering from panic disorder with agoraphobia fears places or situations where he cannot get out quickly if he has a panic attack. Agoraphobics avoid public places with large crowds, elevators, airplanes, driving and in severe cases become home-bound. Different treatments are available for individuals with agoraphobia.
Medications
Benzodiazepines work by increasing the effectiveness of GABA, a neurotransmitter in the brain, which causes decreased anxiety. Alprazolam, clonazepam, lorazepam and diazepam are fast-acting drugs effective in treating the physical symptoms of anxiety and panic. Side effects include blurred vision, depression, drowsiness, confusion and dizziness. Tolerance of benzodiazepines can develop and larger doses are required to achieve the same effect as the initial dose. The University of Maryland Medical Center warns that benzodiazepines should never be combined with alcohol or opiates because of increased respiratory depression and potential for overdose.
Selective serotnin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI's) treat agoraphobia by inhibiting the reuptake of the neurotransmitter serotonin by nerve cells in the brain, causing more serotonin to become available. Increased serotonin is associated with an increase in mood and a decrease in anxiety and panic. SSRIs can cause some agitation and anxiety when first initiated, but this side effect normally goes away in two to four weeks. Other side effects include nausea, weight gain, insomnia, drowsiness and sexual dysfunction.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
The University of Michigan Depression Center states cognitive-behavioral therapy helps an individual correct inaccurate beliefs and thought processes related to anxiety and panic, enhance problem solving skills, and alter negative responses to certain situations, people or events that cannot be changed. Compared to traditional psychotherapy, or "talk therapy," which can take years, cognitive-behavioral therapy provides substantial relief from anxiety and panic in 16 weekly sessions.
Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy
Exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapy involves exposing an individual to real life situations that cause panic. An individual with agoraphobia is challenged to sit through the anxiety instead of fleeing and returning home where he feels safe. According to the University of Maryland, decreased anxiety and panic occurs with repeated exposure to the fearful situation. Trained professional provide support and alternative methods for dealing with anxiety and panic that arise during exposure sessions.
Meditation/Guided Imagery
Mindful meditation focuses on living in the present and accepting, acknowledging and letting go of anxious thoughts that enter the stream of consciousness. During mindfulness meditation, anxious thoughts are welcomed, without judgment or evaluation, and then let go. Mindfulness mediation helps a person view anxiety in a positive light, thus leading to a calmer life. During guided imagery, the individual visualizes himself in a situation that causes fear, but visualizes handling the situation without anxiety and panic. Continued visualization sessions help the individual successfully handle an anxious real-life situation without panic.
