Agoraphobia is a type of psychological disorder that makes people afraid of and avoid places or situations that could make them feel trapped, powerless, or ashamed. This fear can be so strong that it makes it hard for someone to go about their daily life properly.
Though the exact cause of agoraphobia is not known, but it is likely a mix of genetic, environmental, and mental factors. Some of the contributing factors are mentioned below:
Anxiety disorder: In most cases of Agoraphobia people undergo an anxiety disorder. Individuals can develop Agoraphobia if they fear having an anxiety attack in a situation where it would be either difficult or embarrassing to leave.
Stressful Life events: Scary or stressful events, such as the death of a loved one, being seriously ill, or having a history of abuse, can worsen the condition of Agoraphobia.
Biological Factors: Neurotransmitters are chemicals in the brain that are responsible for affecting one’s mood and behaviour. Therefore, an imbalance in the levels of neurotransmitters may lead to anxiety conditions such as Agoraphobia.
Behavioural responses: The situation of Agoraphobia may increase if an individual for a long period learns to stay away from situations that make them anxious.
Genetics: The role of an individual’s genes helps in determining the susceptibility to Agoraphobia and other anxiety disorders, making a family history a risk factor for it. Probably, if there is a history of it in an individual’s lineage, then they are much more likely to get or have it as well.
Agoraphobia can cause various kinds of symptoms that are mild or serious, depending on the intensity of the condition. Some of the common symptoms of Agoraphobia are mentioned below:
It includes rapid heartbeat, sweating, shaking, shortness of breath, nausea, dizziness, hot or cold flashes, and loss of control.
These include intense fear, anxiety, and feelings of detachment from others.
These include avoiding situations that may induce anxiety, needing companions, and becoming housebound.
It includes the feeling of being trapped, helpless, or embarrassed and having an extreme worry about panic attacks along with overwhelming fear of difficult or unavailable escape. These symptoms can lead to feelings of unreality, detachment, and a need for support.
Jiva Ayurveda provides a scientific evidence-based treatment for Agoraphobia. The treatment programs are designed to cure the disease from the root and not just the symptoms and would be concerned with stability, balance, and the kind of holistic healing.
Ayurvedic Medicine with HACCP Certification: These medicines were made using scientific methods that contain active ingredients which will help the person heal on their own and keep their emotions under control.
Mindfulness practice, as well as yoga and meditation: It is possible to improve both emotional and physical health using these soft approaches.
Ayurvedic treatments: These include Panchakarma massages and other therapy massages that will help in promoting emotional well-being and detoxification.
Diet and Lifestyle Counseling: Making dietary and behavioural changes will help in improving health as recommended by the specialists at Jiva Ayunique.
The problems associated with Agoraphobia can be effectively treated through HACCP-certified ayurvedic medicines from Jiva Ayurveda. The following plants are commonly used for the formulation of Ayurvedic medicines:
Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri): It has adaptogenic properties which help in managing stress and anxiety. It promotes the stimulation of certain neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine which provides a sense of calmness to the individuals suffering from Agoraphobia.
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera): It is an adaptogenic herb that helps the body deal with stress and worry, which will be overall beneficial to the mental health of an individual suffering from Agoraphobia.
Tagara (Valeriana wallichii): It is known for its calming and sedative effects, and is commonly used to treat anxiety disorders, including insomnia and stress. The herb can soothe agoraphobia by minimizing anxiety, thereby improving sleep, promoting relaxation, and, in some way, changing the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain. Such a treatment might make people face their phobias and gradually desensitize themselves to situations they fear. Tagara helps reduce fear and panic too and can help with the elevation of mood. Tagara may be of some potential use for patients who experience agoraphobia.
Jatamansi (Nardostachys jatamansi): It is used to calm the mind and reduce nervousness. Its anxiolytic properties help in the management of stress and anxiety levels and it promotes better sleep among individuals with Agoraphobia who are experiencing the symptoms of sleep disturbance.
Agoraphobia is an Psychological disorder characterized by a severe fear of being in places where escape or help may be difficult in the event of a panic attack. As a result, they often avoid open areas, public transportation, groups, and even leaving the house by themselves.
Individuals who have panic disorder accompanied by agoraphobia are prone to frequent panic attacks and, consequently, develop the fear of being in public places where they would probably be unable to seek aid or leave if they were attacked by a panic attack.
The code for agoraphobia in the ICD-10 (International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision) is Agoraphobia, unspecified i.e. F40.00. It belongs to the larger category of Mental, behavioural, and neurodevelopmental problems.
Agoraphobia can cause symptoms that range from mild to severe. Physical symptoms include a fast heartbeat, sweating, and shaking. Psychological symptoms involve intense fear and anxiety. Behaviorally, people may avoid situations that make them anxious. Emotionally, they might feel trapped, helpless, or scared of having panic attacks.
Agoraphobia is the fear of places where it may be difficult to get out or where there is no help. However, Social phobia is the fear of being around people and being judged negatively by them.
Understanding and patience are essential in supporting an agoraphobic person. Supportive behaviour includes active listening, patience, professional help, practical assistance, self-education, healthy lifestyle choices, respecting boundaries, remaining positive, giving emotional support, and providing regular contact. Self-education about the condition and healthy lifestyle choices, as well as staying connected, is also important.
Agoraphobia and social anxiety are anxiety disorders with distinct primary fears and manifestations. Agoraphobia involves fear of difficult escape situations, while social anxiety involves fear of social interactions and negative judgment, impacting personal and professional relationships.
Agoraphobia is a harmless condition but it can significantly impact a person's quality of life. Leading to avoidance behaviour, isolation, emotional and mental health issues, depression, a sedentary lifestyle, and missed medical care due to fear of leaving the house.
The most commonly used plants for treatment are turmeric, neem, aloe vera, tulsi, and aragvadha. Turmeric reduces inflammation and acts as an antioxidant. Neem soothes the skin and has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits. Aloe vera keeps the skin moisturized and helps prevent infections. Tulsi helps heal the skin with its anti-inflammatory properties. Aragwadha fights germs, reduces redness, and calms inflammation.
Ayurvedic medicines, although generally safe, may have potential side effects such as abdominal discomfort, nausea, vomiting, loose motions, diarrhoea and some allergic reactions like rashes.
