Read more about psychological therapies on the NHS. You can also refer yourself directly for psychological therapies, including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), without seeing your GP. If your agoraphobia fails to respond to these treatment methods see your GP. Self-help techniques that can help during a panic attack include staying where you are, focusing on something that's non-threatening and visible, and slow, deep breathing. Lifestyle changes may help, including taking regular exercise, eating more healthily, and avoiding alcohol, drugs and drinks that contain caffeine, such as tea, coffee and cola. Your GP needs to know as much as possible about your symptoms to make the correct diagnosis and recommend the most appropriate treatment. It can sometimes be difficult to talk about your feelings, emotions, and personal life, but try not to feel anxious or embarrassed. Do you have any avoidance strategies to help you cope with your symptoms, such as relying on others to shop for you?.Are there certain places or situations you have to avoid?.Do you find leaving the house stressful?.Your GP may ask you the following questions: It's very important you tell them how you've been feeling and how your symptoms are affecting you. Your GP will ask you to describe your symptoms, how often they occur, and in what situations.

It should be possible to arrange a telephone consultation if you don't feel ready to visit your GP in person. Speak to your GP if you think you may be affected by agoraphobia. Read more about the possible causes of agoraphobia. Traumatic events, such as bereavement, may contribute towards agoraphobia, as well as certain genes inherited from your parents. In these cases, their fear may be related to issues like a fear of crime, terrorism, illness, or being in an accident. It can arise by associating panic attacks with the places or situations where they occurred and then avoiding them.Ī minority of people with agoraphobia have no history of panic attacks. What causes agoraphobia?Īgoraphobia usually develops as a complication of panic disorder, an anxiety disorder involving panic attacks and moments of intense fear. Read more about the symptoms of agoraphobia. This change in behaviour is known as avoidance. They'll order groceries online rather than going to the supermarket. They'll avoid situations that cause anxiety and may only leave the house with a friend or partner. If someone with agoraphobia finds themselves in a stressful situation, they'll usually experience the symptoms of a panic attack, such as: Someone with agoraphobia may be scared of: Many people assume agoraphobia is simply a fear of open spaces, but it's actually a more complex condition. Agoraphobia is a fear of being in situations where escape might be difficult or that help wouldn't be available if things go wrong.

Whats your fear