Thursday, July 16, 2009

Agoraphobia and the Panic Attacks

By Gordon Dalwood

A panic attack can be a somewhat misunderstood anxiety disorder. While many are vaguely familiar with what a panic attack is, they may not be completely aware of the common causes for a panic attack. They also may be unsure of what many of the triggers for a panic attack may be. One of the more interesting connecting among various mental health triggers is the association between agoraphobia and panic attacks.

Agoraphobia is also misunderstood, because so many individuals are not aware of this being part of the disorders that take place due to anxiety. Precisely this is a disorder that occurs when people have anxiety due to unfamiliar environments and situations. An example of this is an individual who is afraid of wide open areas or surroundings, that are not familiar with may have trouble adjusting to a rural setting. The numerous types of environments that an individual afflicted with agoraphobia can be afraid of can be endless. These surroundings may differ greatly but it can trigger the same reaction. The reaction being panic attacks.

Panic attacks as the words imply, are when people get overwhelmed with anxiety to the point that they start having extreme physical and mental issues because of this. The attacks could be sort or long in length, but they should always be taken seriously. In what way does the panic attacks happen in regards to the agoraphobic episode? Simply put, being afraid of wide open areas brings on a flight or fight type reaction. This simply means that all creatures that are living have this instinct when they think danger is near. Basically, the creatures will either fight the threat or leave the area of the threat to protect themselves. But as far as agoraphobia goes, this situation is made worse with just plain confusion being added to the other feelings.

The fear of the big open spaces can trigger a fight or a flight feeling. This is actually an instinct that all living beings large and small have when they perceive danger. All living beings want to fight or flee danger, when a threat is near, so that they can protect themselves and their loved ones. But when agoraphobia comes on, the reaction is made more severe because of confusion happening with all the other sensations.

Part of this confusion derives from the fact that the person may not be able to achieve flight. If a person opts to attend a football game with a friend, flight may not be possible. It would either be rude to leave or it may not even be possible if it was the friend drove the agoraphobic person to the game. Such a situation could lead to extreme stress which, in turn, could lead to a severe panic attack.

Obviously, the correct method of trying to minimize the effect that the panic attack, and the connection with the agoraphobia is to search out medical assistance. A certified mental health physician or counselor will be able to develop a plan for therapy, to cut down on the many issues involved in having these disorders. In fact these disorders will not disappear on their own.

Searching out medical treatment is the right way for reducing the effects of a panic attack, and its connection to the agoraphobia. A professional mental health therapist or doctor will give you a plan for treatment, to reduce the problems of these specific disorders. These types of disorders never go away without treatment.

Agoraphobia is a severe problem with or without the occurrence of panic attacks. This is why one always needs to consider it as serious. To be repetitious, this is a disorder that does not cure itself.

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