Panic Disorder and Agoraphobia

It is actually easy to get confused about panic disorder and agoraphobia. Actually, the difference between the two is quite a task to determine. In agoraphobia’s case, its symptoms include the same symptoms as that of panic disorder, plus some more. Hence, this article will try to put a line in between this two.

There are people who get pangs of panic or anxiety in a crowded place. The reason for this would be the idea that they will have a panic attack in front of many people. Hand in hand with fear and anxiety, people with Agoraphobia would rather stay at home, where they feel safe.

It is not correct to conclude that Agoraphobia is a fear of huge spaces. It is more of being afraid by embarrassment. Moreover, the fear of not being able to escape a crowded area is another trigger for the attack. Since their anxiety attacks are quite severe, an agoraphobic would not like to be stuck in a place where he or she could not get help or treatment immediately. The mere thought of that can produce an attack.

For a case to be called agoraphobia, it is important to take note of the past six months. Try to plot your episodes, take note of the intensity, and the symptoms. This would definitely be of help once you consult with an expert. You may also look at your family tree, and find ancestors or relatives who have the same case.

Now, let us go to the case of panic disorder. Before a certain case is validated as a disorder, the episodes should be re-current, intense, and it can cease the pursuant of an individual’s daily routine. The usual symptoms for panic are: difficulty of breathing, palpitations, profuse sweating, and dizziness. Sometimes, there are people who feel that they are going crazy or depersonalization.

For the panic disorder, there can be different triggers for this episode to surface. It does not necessarily mean that they are afraid of crowded spaces, or an area where it would be difficult to escape. For some, public speaking is a huge deal, and nervousness usually sets in before they talk in front of the audience. Some maybe caused by fear of spider, this one is called arachnophobia.

Hence, Panic Disorder and Agoraphobia is not vice versa. It does not necessarily mean that if you have panic disorder, that you automatically have agoraphobia. On the other hand, agoraphobics may have panic disorder. There are some patients who actually develop panic disorder due to agoraphobia.

For these two, the treatments are quite similar. I will be giving some simple tips that could actually lessen the cycle of your episodes. First, let’s go to your diet. If you are consuming too much sugar and caffeine, you are attracting another panic attack. These ingredients are uppers, making you vulnerable to anxiety. Consequently, cut out the sodas, sweets, chocolates, and coffee. You may also do substitutions. Like replacing your sugar with sweeteners, sweets with fruits, and decaffeinated coffee in replacement for your usual espresso.

Another substance that you have to avoid would be nicotine. So, if you are smoking you have to kick the habit. This, like sugar and caffeine, is also an upper. What we are doing here, is to lessen the triggers of your attack. As of now, experts haven’t found of an overnight solution for panic attacks. The treatment is in sessions, and would take a lot of time and effort from your end.

During the attack, there is simple breathing exercise you could do. According to doctors, people tend to lose oxygen and gain carbon dioxide during an attack. Hence, you must extend out breathe to release the carbon dioxide. To do this, you may simple hum or count, then inhale.

Also, you may distract yourself because concentrating on your agoraphobia and panic disorder would only make things worse. You may open the television or pop in your favourite cd, anything that would remove your focus on your symptoms.