Agoraphobia Treatment In Whittier
We Treat A Wide Range of Dual Diagnosis Patients who
suffer from Mental Health & Substance Abuse Disorders
Whether you or a loved one are struggling with mental health issues and substance use disorder drug, we are qualified to be able to help you find recovery.
Agoraphobia is a type of anxiety disorder that consumes people with fear. This fear can be life hindering. People who have agoraphobia may be afraid to leave their house, be in public places, or be afraid of upcoming events such as a doctor’s appointment.People who struggle with agoraphobia are fearful of life events. This could be anywhere between having to use a restroom and being afraid that they won’t make it in time, to getting lost and not having a way to get back home.
This type of anxiety disorder typically starts after having one or more panic attacks. People who develop agoraphobia are afraid of having another major panic attack. Although agoraphobia is separate from panic attack disorder, panic attacks are a side effect.
What Are The &
Sighs of Agoraphonia?
Many people struggle with anxiety so it is important to know the difference between agoraphobia and anxiety disorder. Having one doesn’t mean you necessarily have the other.
Here are the signs of agoraphobia:
- Having trouble breathing
- Chest pain
- Rapid heart rate
- Excessive sweating
- Sudden sweating and chills
- Stomach pain
- Diarrhea
- Feelings of hopelessness
- Feelings of no control
- Fears of dying
What Are Symptoms
Of Agoraphobia?
When dealing with agoraphobia people may develop symptoms of stress and overwhelmment. There are a lot of other physical, mental, and emotional symptoms you can experience as well.
Physical Symptoms of Agoraphobia include:
- Choking
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness
- Trembling
- Sweating
- Feelings of vomiting
Mental and Emotional Symptoms include:
- Extreme sense of hopelessness
- Feelings of doom and loss of control
- Fear of public spaces without an easy escape
- Fears of dying
- List Having to depend on other to leave the house
- Learning"safety behaviors"such as shopping online or order delivery food rather than going out
- Avoid triggering the anxiety sysmptoms
What causes
Agoraphobia?
Although researchers don’t know the exact cause of agoraphobia, there are some things that may contribute to developing agoraphobia.
Here is a list of things that may contribute to developing agoraphobia:
- Extreme stressful events in life such as divorce, losing a job, or legal issues.
- Being in an abusive relationship
- Experiencing an important loss of a loved one such as a partner, child, or parent.
- Abusing drugs or alcohol
- Having past mental illnesses such as anxiety, depression, anorexia, or bulimia
These can all be a factor when it comes to agoraphobia. Not being able to deal with the issues listed above can cause extreme fear in daily life. If you lose a loved one, you may be afraid of losing other loved ones, or even have the intense fear of dying yourself. That can be a reason why someone wouldn’t want to leave their home.
Other things like abusing drugs or alcohol can be a very big reason someone might develop agoraphobia. If someone takes a drug that messes with the neurotransmitters it can affect the way a person thinks. Even with drugs such as LSD Acid or Mushrooms, consuming psychedelics and having a bad “trip” can create extreme fear.
How is
Agoraphobia Diagnosed?
If you think that you have agoraphobia it is extremely important to speak to your primary care physician or a mental health provider as soon as possible. If you are afraid of leaving your home to visit your local offices, you can ask someone to go with you, or you can ask if they offer virtual appointments.
When you speak to either your PCH or a mental health special such as a therapist or a psychologist they may ask you a few of the following questions:
- Are you afraid or feel extreme stress when it’s time to leave your home?
- Do you depend on others to help or be with you when you do errands such as grocery shopping or going inside a bank?
- Are there places you avoid going? Why do you feel extreme fear or stress when thinking about going there?
According to the American Psychiatric Association some must have two or more of the following listed below in order to be diagnosed with agoraphobia:
- Using public transportation
- Being in open spaces
- Being in enclosed places
- Standing in line or being in a crowd
- Being outside the home alone
Also someone who is diagnosed with agoraphobia will typically experience these symptoms for more than a 6 month period. It will start interfering with a person’s daily life and start to cause problems.
Agoraphobia Treatment
in Los Angeles
To get the best results from treatment, mental health patients should be treated for their disorders by a professional. A program that will offer a safe environment is vital for a persons success of getting the right help.
Specialized treatment programs focus on individualized care in order to treat each specific disorder. This program teaches people who struggle with mental health symptoms. Therapy along with medication management when appropriate helps to treat agoraphobia.
At Solace Treatment in Whittier, California, we use these treatment modalities:
- Individual Therapy – One-on-one therapy with one of our licensed clinicians is used to help the person with co-occurring disorders lessen symptoms of both disorders. This kind of talk therapy can be vital in finding recovery.
- Group Therapy – Group therapy is used to help clients find community and develop social skills while being supervised by a therapist. This therapy can help with communication skills and conflict resolution.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – CBT is an evidence-based therapy is that has been proven to help in the treatment of substance use disorder and mental disorders. It helps patients recognize their negative thoughts so they can see situations more clearly and respond accordingly.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) – This evidence-based behavior therapy teaches patients new skills to enhance their life. Skills developed during this therapy are distress tolerance, emotion regulation, mindfulness, and interpersonal effectiveness.
- Experiential Therapy – This therapy is used to get patients involved in recreational activities, especially ones that they may have lost interest in during their struggles. Some activities we offer are yoga, hiking, art therapy, and meditation.
Get Help Now
in Los Angeles
Addiction and mental health disorders are a common struggle among American adults. With treatment, recovery from these disorders is possible. Treatment can include therapy and medication management if needed.
If you or your loved ones are struggling with addiction or mental health, reach out Solace Treatment today. Our team can answer any questions you may have and give you a better understanding of our program.
