From a clinical point of view, the subject who suffers from it is assailed by a feeling of anguish, strong discomfort, when he finds himself in unfamiliar situations, capable of giving the impression of having no easy escape routes and where no one could help. In most cases, agoraphobia is a problem that emerges secondary to the onset of panic attacks, minor anxiety attacks and post-traumatic stress.
The severity of agoraphobia and the behaviors adopted to avoid the feared situations can vary widely from person to person. In the most severe cases, in addition to anxiety, physical symptoms or full-blown panic attacks may occur, with cold or accentuated sweating, increased heart rate (tachycardia), nausea and choking.
Like other phobias, agoraphobia can have negative repercussions in the person's daily life, in terms of limitations in social and working life. Fortunately, this disorder can be addressed through a psychotherapy path, aimed at overcoming the phobia.
of varying degrees, agoraphobia often involves somatic symptoms such as: sweating, chills or hot flashes, rapid heartbeat, nausea, a feeling of lack of oxygen and fear of dying.
Consequently, the person suffering from agoraphobia tries not to expose himself to the phobic stimulus and ends up adopting avoidance strategies or seeks the continuous reassuring presence of a family member.
Agoraphobia is a disorder that can be very disabling, since those who suffer from it often:
- Become completely dependent on the home;
- He is forced to leave the house only when accompanied.
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