Someone with generalized anxiety disorder may develop agoraphobia if she starts to fear going to public places. She might begin to have panic attacks due to the overwhelming stress and anxiety she feels and fear not being able to get help if she has a panic attack in public. Treatment for generalized anxiety disorder and agoraphobia include medication and psychotherapy.
Leaving the House
One achievement that a therapist would work with a client to achieve is the ability to leave his house. People this disorder often become housebound, because they don't feel safe anywhere but home.
There are many steps someone must take in treatment to get to the place where he feels comfortable leaving his home. First, he must learn how his anxious thoughts control his feelings and behaviors. He might think, "I'll have a panic attack if I leave the house," so he becomes anxious whenever he thinks about going to the grocery store or having lunch at a friend's house. This impedes his ability to leave home and keeps him inside. Second, he must combat the irrational thoughts he has and think positively. Third, he must learn relaxation techniques to implement when he begins to feel anxious and practice them on a regular basis. It's a huge step for someone with this disorder to be able to leave his house to even take a walk around the block.
Go to a Public Place
Another sign that someone is recovering from agoraphobia or generalized anxiety disorder is her ability to go to a public place without being overwhelmed by anxiety. If she can go grocery shopping, attend a wedding or ride on public transportation without being paralyzed with fear or having a panic attack, she is making progress toward successful treatment. Someone with this disorder may require medication and therapy before being able to meet this goal.
Reduce Anxiety
Those suffering from generalized anxiety disorder or agoraphobia are plagued by overwhelming, constant anxious thoughts. They probably feel anxious when they first wake up, all day long and while trying to fall asleep. Another way someone can tell he is recovering from one of these anxiety disorders is a significant reduction in anxious thinking.
Independence
People with these disorders have to rely on friends and family members for many things. For instance, the family members may have to complete tasks that require leaving the home. This can place a huge burden on the family members and make things hard on everyone. If someone suffering from one of these disorders becomes independent and can take care of herself, she might be fully recovered. It would be important to continue medication if it's recommended by a doctor or psychiatrist and continue maintenance therapy sessions as needed. However, the person will have accomplished the most difficult goal in agoraphobia recovery.
