Agoraphobia Treatment in Wellesley

What is Agoraphobia?

Agoraphobia involves fearing situations or places that might cause panic because you think you would be unable to escape or get help if needed. The root meaning of “agora” is “to gather together,” and “phobia” means “fear.” Agoraphobia is a type of anxiety disorder where you feel panic and feelings of being trapped, helpless, or embarrassed in certain public situations.

Our team of experienced clinicians are committed to delivering tailored, convenient, and cost-effective care to individuals seeking relief from agoraphobia.

Our affiliated clinicians provide comprehensive agoraphobia treatment options, both in-person at our offices in Wellesley, Longmeadow, Weymouth, and Arlington, MA, and through telehealth services. If you are currently struggling with agoraphobia or related anxiety disorders, we encourage you to take the first step towards recovery by requesting an appointment on our website or contacting our offices today at (781) 431-1177. Schedule an appointment with us, and let us guide you on the path to regaining your freedom and confidence.

What are Common Examples of Agoraphobia?

To understand agoraphobia, it is helpful to look at some common examples.

Examples of agoraphobia include a fear of:

• Leaving home alone
• Using public transportation like buses or planes
• Being in open spaces like parking lots, malls, or bridges
• Being in enclosed spaces like movie theaters, elevators, or small stores
• Standing in line
• Being in a crowd
• Locations that are not familiar
• Places that make you feel unsafe

The anxiety is caused by fear that there’s no easy way to escape or get help if the anxiety gets overwhelming. You may avoid situations because of fears such as getting lost, falling, or having diarrhea and not being able to get to a bathroom.

You may fear an actual or upcoming situation. These situations can trigger anxiety and can lead individuals to avoid them at all costs. Over time, this avoidance behavior can severely limit your daily life and activities. We can help you improve your mindset if agoraphobia is limiting your daily life.

What Causes of Agoraphobia?

Agoraphobia is an anxiety disorder that often develops:

• After one or more panic attacks
• If you’ve suffered from past traumatic experiences
• If someone in your family suffered from a similar condition
• From an imbalance in your brain chemicals or neurotransmitters

What are the Symptoms of Agoraphobia?

Symptoms of agoraphobia include:

• Having a hard time feeling safe in any public place
• Fear and avoidance of places and situations
• Feelings of panic, entrapment, helplessness, or embarrassment
• Fear of having disabling symptoms like dizziness, fainting, falling, or diarrhea
• Rapid heartbeat
• Shortness of breath
• Trembling
• Sweating
• Feeling of impending doom

In addition:

• Your fear or anxiety is out of proportion to the actual danger of the situation
• You avoid the situation
• You need a companion to go with you
• You endure the situation but are extremely upset
• You have major distress or problems with social situations
• Your fear and avoidance usually lasts six months or longer

Do I have Agoraphobia?

If you may have agoraphobia, seek out help. Colony Care can help you talk through your symptoms and diagnose agoraphobia.

To develop a diagnosis, you can expect:

• A clinical evaluation by a mental health professional considering the diagnostic criteria as outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5)
• Talking about your specific symptoms
• A discussion about your daily life
• Ruling out other potential causes
• Considering other medical testing or evaluations as needed

Our team of psychiatrists, psychologists, licensed mental health counselors, social workers, and nurse practitioners will work together to give you the answers you need to move forward.

What is the Treatment for Agoraphobia?

Agoraphobia treatment can be challenging because it means confronting your fears.

We can help. Treatment options vary depending on the severity of the condition and individual preferences. Some may prefer therapy, while others may opt for medication or a combination of both.

Treatment for agoraphobia and specific phobias often involves a combination of:

Talk Therapy

• Focuses on finding solutions for current issues
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a common therapeutic approach, where patients work with a therapist to identify and challenge irrational thoughts and fears
• Support groups can be helpful in certain situations

Psychotherapy

• An in-depth, longer process focusing on feelings and past experiences
• Exposure therapy is another effective method where patients are gradually exposed to the feared situation or object, helping them learn to manage their anxiety

Lifestyle Adjustments

• Adjustments to your daily routine can also be part of your treatment plan
• Relaxation techniques, mindfulness, or other exercises can help manage some anxiety

Medication

• Medications like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can be prescribed to help manage symptoms

Schedule your Appointment Today

If you are currently struggling with agoraphobia or related anxiety disorders, we encourage you to take the first step towards recovery by requesting an appointment on our website or contacting our offices today at (781) 431-1177. Schedule an appointment with us, and let us guide you on the path to regaining your freedom and confidence.