Table of Contents
How can agoraphobia prevent you from leading a normal life?
Untreated, agoraphobia can severely reduce a person’s quality of life. For example: Activities outside of the home such as work, school, socialising, hobbies and many forms of exercise are out of reach.
How does panic disorder affect society?
In some cases, a person with panic disorder may encourage others to stay home and avoid gatherings and public outings, as well. If the people you are stopping are your family and you refuse to take them or allow them to go out to certain places because of your own fears, they will feel overburdened.
Does agoraphobia improve?
While people may look for how to overcome agoraphobia fast, it’s not an overnight process. With a combination of medication and psychotherapy, it’s possible to improve your quality of life when you have this anxiety-related disorder.
What does a person with agoraphobia suffer from?
Agoraphobia is an anxiety disorder that causes intense fear of becoming overwhelmed or unable to escape or get help. Because of fear and anxiety, people with agoraphobia often avoid new places and unfamiliar situations, such as: Open or enclosed spaces.
How does anxiety disorder affect social life?
Anxieties can interfere with work, school, relationships or enjoyment of life. This disorder can cause: Low self-esteem. Trouble being assertive.
Is severe agoraphobia a disability?
Agoraphobia can be a crippling anxiety disorder, one that prevents people from being around crowds, going into public spaces, or even from leaving their homes. If the agoraphobia is well-documented and makes full-time employment impossible, Social Security Disability benefits may be available.
Can people with agoraphobia get disability benefits?
People who have agoraphobia can qualify for disability benefits. The Social Security Administration detailed specific criteria that people must meet to qualify for agoraphobia-caused disability.
How can a therapist help someone with agoraphobia?
A therapist can talk you through the thoughts and feelings that contribute to agoraphobia. Through therapy, you can explore strategies to approach feared situations. A therapist may also teach you personalized exercises to prevent and cope with panic. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is often used to treat agoraphobia.
How do I meet the SSA’s guidelines for agoraphobia?
To meet the SSA’s guidelines regarding agoraphobia (listed under section 12.06), you must have medically documented findings of at least one of the symptoms of section A, and fulfill the requirements of either section B or C. All three are included below, straight from the SSA’s Blue Book.
What is agoraphobia and how is it defined?
Agoraphobia is defined as a fear of having a panic attack in a situation where it would be challenging or embarrassing to escape. This fear often leads to persistent avoidance behaviors, in which the person begins to stay away from many places and situations in which they fear panic may occur.