Agoraphobia

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Panic disorder with agoraphobia

The goal of treatment is to help the phobic person function effectively. The success of treatment usually depends upon the severity of the phobia.

Systematic desensitization is a technique used to treat phobias. The person is asked to relax, then imagine the things that cause the anxiety, working from the least fearful to the most fearful. Graded real-life exposure has also been used with success to help people overcome their fears.

Antianxiety and antidepressive medications are often used to help relieve the symptoms associated with phobias.

Phobias tend to be chronic, but respond well to treatment.

Some phobias may affect job performance or social functioning.

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if symptoms suggestive of agoraphobia develop.

Review Date: 11/15/2006
Reviewed By: Paul Ballas, D.O., Department of Psychiatry, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.