At The Resilience Center of Houston, we have licensed therapists who are trained to treat a wide variety of mental health and behavioral health issues for children, teens, and adults in the Greater Houston area, including our Houston Agoraphobia Therapy. Learn more about our agoraphobia treatments, here in Houston, and how our therapists can help provide you with the care you deserve.

Our expertise includes working with children, teens, adults, and seniors who struggle with life stressors and transitions, behavioral problems, and mental health disorders. Our therapists are licensed in Texas with a masters or doctoral level education and offer a wide variety of evidence-based therapeutic techniques and approaches to provide you with optimal professional care.

What is Agoraphobia?

Agoraphobia is a mental health condition characterized by intense fear and avoidance of situations or places where the individual believes it would be difficult to escape or receive help in the event of a panic attack or other distressing symptoms. People with agoraphobia often fear being in crowded places, open spaces, public transportation, standing in line, or being far from home. This fear and avoidance can lead to significant limitations in their daily lives.

Agoraphobia is often associated with panic disorder, as individuals with panic disorder may experience sudden and recurrent panic attacks. These panic attacks can be very distressing, with symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, dizziness, and a sense of impending doom. As a result, individuals with agoraphobia may avoid situations they associate with triggering these panic attacks.

What are the Common Symptoms of Agoraphobia?

Agoraphobia is characterized by a range of symptoms and can vary in severity from person to person. Common symptoms of agoraphobia include:

1. Intense Fear: Individuals with agoraphobia experience an intense and irrational fear of being in situations or places from which escape may be difficult or where they might not receive help in case of a panic attack or other distressing symptoms.

2. Avoidance: To cope with this fear, people with agoraphobia often avoid specific situations or places that trigger their anxiety. Commonly avoided situations can include crowded places, open spaces, public transportation, standing in line, traveling alone, and even leaving their home.

3. Panic Attacks: Many individuals with agoraphobia have a history of panic attacks, which can involve symptoms like a rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, dizziness, sweating, and a sense of impending doom.

4. Dependency: They may become dependent on a trusted person to accompany them when they do go out.

5. Isolation: Agoraphobia can lead to social isolation as individuals avoid social and public situations. This can negatively impact their personal and professional lives.

What are the Causes of Agoraphobia?

Although the causes of agoraphobia are not quite fully understood, there are several factors that may contribute, including:

1. Genetics: A family history of anxiety disorders may increase the risk of developing agoraphobia.

2. Traumatic Life Events: Traumatic experiences or significant life stressors can trigger the onset of agoraphobia in some cases.

3. Panic Disorder: Agoraphobia is often associated with panic disorder, and panic attacks can be a significant factor in its development.

4. Neurochemical Factors: There may be imbalances in certain neurotransmitters in the brain that contribute to anxiety disorders like agoraphobia.

Can Agoraphobia Be Treated?

Yes, agoraphobia can be treated. Treatment can involve or include a combination of psychotherapy, medication, and/or lifestyle changes. Please consult with one of our Houston Agoraphobia Therapists today at the Resilience Center of Houston.

What are some Common Treatments for Agoraphobia?

Some common treatments for agoraphobia include:

1. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT is often the first-line treatment for agoraphobia. It helps individuals identify and change their thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to their anxiety. Exposure therapy, a type of CBT, is often used to gradually expose the person to feared situations in a controlled and safe manner.

2. Medication: Antidepressants (such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SSRIs) and anti-anxiety medications (such as benzodiazepines) may be prescribed to help manage symptoms. These are often used in conjunction with therapy.

3. Supportive Therapy: Supportive counseling and group therapy can also be beneficial in helping individuals manage their condition and provide a sense of community and understanding.

4. Lifestyle Changes: Healthy lifestyle habits, including regular exercise, adequate sleep, and stress management techniques, can help in managing symptoms.

5. Self-Help Strategies: Individuals can also learn self-help strategies to manage their anxiety and gradually confront their fears.

At The Resilience Center of Houston, we are open, affirming, and welcoming of all ethnicities, cultures, socio-economic statuses, genders, sexual identities, religions, and abilities. We work with people from all over greater Houston and accept reimbursement from 30+ insurance and EAP companies.

Call or email us today to get more information or schedule an appointment with a compassionate professional you can trust.