- 2/100 people in the UK have a panic disorder and about 1/3 have agoraphobia because of this
- Twice as common in women
- Usually starts between 18-35
The NHS website defines agoraphobia as "Agoraphobia is a fear of being in situations where escape might be difficult, or help wouldn't be available if things go wrong.".
This made me think that this is why Claudia rarely leaves the house as she feels as if that is the only place she is truly safe.
Agoraphobics can be scared of things such as public transport, shopping, leaving home alone altogether.
"They will avoid situations that cause anxiety and may only leave the house with a friend or partner. They will order groceries online rather than go to the supermarket. This change in behaviour is known as "avoidance". "
This could be why Claudia's neighbour Mrs Laderman brings her everything she needs to her home and is the only contact she really has with other people
When an agoraphobic gets into a stressful situation they can get panic attacks. Panic attack symptoms are:
- Fast heart beat
- Nausea
- Hyperventilating
- Sweating
Agoraphobia can be caused because of fears of other things such as:
- Crime and terrorism
- Getting ill
- Hurting yourself or getting in an accident
and also things like traumatic events, other mental illnesses or even in your genes.
It can be helped cured by:
- Regular exercise
- Healthy eating
- Avoiding drugs, alcohol and caffeine drinks
- Learning about the condition and accepting it
- Guided self-help plans from the doctor
- If the above doesn't help medication can be prescribed
- More severe cases medication can be combined with cognitive behavioural therapy which takes place once a week with a therapist where they break down your problems and give you practises you can put to work in your everyday life
Sources:
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Agoraphobia/Pages/Introduction.aspx
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cognitive-behavioural-therapy/pages/introduction.aspx
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