How to Cure Agoraphobia

Overview

Agoraphobia is an anxiety disorder based on a fear of being unable to escape places or being trapped in public places. In addition to the actual fear of getting out, if you suffer from agoraphobia you may experience a fear of being embarrassed about needing to exit suddenly. Agoraphobia sufferers typically avoid public transportation, elevators or sporting events. In extreme cases, sufferers quarantine themselves inside their homes to avoid these situations completely. Agoraphobia can be debilitating, but treatments are available to treat or even cure agoraphobia.

Step 1

Take a selective seratonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), antidepressant or anti-anxiety medication prescribed by your doctor. Prozac, Paxil and Zoloft are all SSRIs. You may be prescribed an antidepressant that is a tricyclic anitdepressant or monoamine oxidase inhibitor. Klonopin and Xanax are examples of anti-anxiety medications. These medications must be taken as directed.

Step 2

Attend psychotherapy sessions. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is typically the approach used in psychotherapy to treat agoraphobia. Initially, CBT allows the patient to explore his fear of public places, educates him on how to manage his anxiety and teaches him relaxation techniques to lessen the effects of panic attacks in severe cases. Subsequent treatment will be focused on supportively exposing the patient to the places that cause the anxiety to reduce the fear. CBT therapists are flexible on the needs of patients suffering from agoraphobia. If need be, initial appointments can be done in the patient's home, over the phone or via email if the patient is not comfortable with leaving his home.

Step 3

Employ systematic desensitization (SD). SD is often used as a part of psychotherapy but if you suffer from agoraphobia, you can do this at home. SD involves gradual exposure to the anxiety or phobia-inducing event. Start by imagining the event or situation, breath deeply and learn to relax. Repeat the imagining phase until you are comfortable thinking about the situation that causes you anxiety. Continue SD by going near the situation or event (for example, driving past or being driven past a stadium if you have a fear of sporting events). Continue this level of exposure until you are comfortable with seeing the stadium and being near it. The last phase of SD is actually going to the event or being exposed to the anxious situation. Slowly, you should build up a resistance to the anxiety you feel about this situation or experience.

Step 4

Seek support from family and friends. You may find that these situations aren't so scary if you have someone with you that you feel comfortable with that can help you when you need it.

Step 5

Be realistic. Treating or even curing a disorder like agoraphobia can take a long time. Be strong and take the steps necessary to get treatment. Be consistent with your treatment and gentle with yourself.