DiagnosisAgoraphobia is diagnosed based on: Show
TreatmentAgoraphobia treatment usually includes both psychotherapy and medication. It may take some time, but treatment can help you get better. PsychotherapyPsychotherapy involves working with a therapist to set goals and learn practical skills to reduce your anxiety symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy is one of the most effective forms of psychotherapy for anxiety disorders, including agoraphobia. Generally a short-term treatment, cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on teaching you specific skills to better tolerate anxiety, directly challenge your worries and gradually return to the activities you've avoided because of anxiety. Through this process, your symptoms improve as you build on your initial success. You can learn:
If you have trouble leaving your home, you may wonder how you could possibly go to a therapist's office. Therapists who treat agoraphobia are well aware of this problem. If you feel homebound due to agoraphobia, look for a therapist who can help you find alternatives to office appointments, at least in the early part of treatment. He or she may offer to see you first in your home or meet you in what you consider a safe place (safe zone). Some therapists may also offer some sessions over the phone, through email, or using computer programs or other media. If the agoraphobia is so severe that you cannot access care, you might benefit from a more intensive hospital program that specializes in the treatment of anxiety. You may want to take a trusted relative or friend to your appointment who can offer comfort, help and coaching, if needed. MedicationsCertain types of antidepressants are often used to treat agoraphobia, and sometimes anti-anxiety drugs are used on a limited basis. Antidepressants are more effective than anti-anxiety medications in the treatment of agoraphobia.
It may take weeks for medication to relieve symptoms. And you may have to try several different medications before you find one that works best for you. Both starting and ending a course of antidepressants can cause side effects that create uncomfortable physical sensations or even panic attack symptoms. For this reason, your doctor likely will gradually increase your dose during treatment, and slowly decrease your dose when he or she feels you're ready to stop taking medication. Alternative medicineCertain dietary and herbal supplements claim to have calming and anti-anxiety benefits. Before you take any of these for agoraphobia, talk with your doctor. Although these supplements are available without a prescription, they still pose possible health risks. For example, the herbal supplement kava, also called kava kava, appeared to be a promising treatment for anxiety, but there have been reports of serious liver damage, even with short-term use. The Food and Drug Administration has issued warnings but not banned sales in the United States. Avoid using any product that contains kava until more-rigorous safety studies are done, especially if you have liver problems or take medications that affect your liver. Coping and supportLiving with agoraphobia can make life difficult. Professional treatment can help you overcome this disorder or manage it effectively so that you don't become a prisoner to your fears. You can also take these steps to cope and care for yourself when you have agoraphobia:
Preparing for your appointmentIf you have agoraphobia, you may be too afraid or embarrassed to go to your doctor's office. Consider starting with a phone call to your doctor or a mental health professional, or ask a trusted family member or friend to go with you to your appointment. What you can doTo prepare for your appointment, make a list of:
Some basic questions to ask your doctor may include:
Don't hesitate to ask other questions during your appointment. What to expect from your doctorYour doctor will likely ask you a number of questions. Be ready to answer them to reserve time to go over any points you want to focus on. Your doctor may ask:
Nov. 18, 2017 What category of therapy is most concerned with improving a client's awareness of the underlying causes of his or her difficulties behavioral biological cognitive insight?Insight therapy is a form of therapy that helps clients gain insight, or awareness, into the reasons for their negative feelings or destructive thoughts, attitudes, and beliefs.
What category of therapy is most concerned with improving a clients awareness?Gestalt therapy emphasizes personal responsibility and helps clients focus on the present. It also stresses the development of the therapist-client relationship, the social context of the client's life, awareness, attitudes and direct feelings and perceptions rather than interpretations.
What are the two main approaches to therapies for mental disorders?Psychoanalysis and psychodynamic therapies.
Psychoanalytically oriented therapies are characterized by a close working partnership between therapist and patient.
What is a cognitive behavior therapist most likely to focus on during treatment for depression?Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on changing the automatic negative thoughts that can contribute to and worsen our emotional difficulties, depression, and anxiety. These spontaneous negative thoughts also have a detrimental influence on our mood.
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