Agoraphobia Treatment Scotland

The true meaning of agoraphobia

‘What is agoraphobia?’ is a common question which we receive here at Nova Recovery Scotland, surrounding personal concern of fear or phobia. Many individuals lack awareness of its true meaning, as it’s mainly linked to the concern of open spaces.

Agoraphobia reflects the fear of settings that are wide-spanning, however, it can also describe a number of different behaviours, all surrounding the hazards of environments or engagements.

Symptoms of agoraphobia can be triggered by using public transport, visiting populated areas, visiting new settings, being alone within such settings, leaving the house to engage in open areas, and concerns over personal safety.

While some of these behaviours also mimic those of social anxiety and generalised anxiety, agoraphobia is an independent phobia, which can be diagnosed medically through physical examination and avoidance assessments.

Causes of agoraphobia disorder

Agoraphobia is a direct consequence of panic. The majority of individuals who experience such fears have pre-existing experiences of panic attacks and symptoms of panic, which have subconsciously been attached to certain areas, surroundings or actions.

For example, panic may have been experienced on public transport, which has now developed into a phobia, resulting in a reduced inclination of utilising public transport in the future. Feelings and emotions can be transmitted and remembered, which if traumatic or fearful, can be pinned to certain stimuli, amounting to symptoms of agoraphobia.

Panic may not be the catalyst for every individual. Trauma, stress or genetics can increase the vulnerability of agoraphobia for some people. However, panic is a common cause, which if untreated or undiagnosed, can develop into specific phobias, such as agoraphobia.

Addiction and agoraphobia treatment here at Nova Recovery

Just by considering the symptoms of agoraphobia, it’s clear to see the severity that such fear can have on life. The simplest task of taking public transport or visiting a shop can be deterred by extreme feelings of anxiety.

Down to this, if you’re struggling, we encourage you to consider agoraphobia treatment, available here at Nova Recovery if you also suffer from addiction.

Focusing on the development of agoraphobia, psychological treatment options will be the most beneficial, to understand the deeper causation of such fear, while desensitising natural responses.

Cognitive behavioural therapy is one of the most recommended forms of treatment for phobias and substance abuse as it works through stepping stones of uncovering causations, offering clarity, and changing responses.

Lifestyle changes will also be recommended throughout substance addiction and agoraphobia treatment, as symptoms of anxiety can be regulated for some individuals by prioritising routine. You’ll be encouraged to experience balance, focus on your nutrition, and avoid unhealthy coping strategies.

Therapy will also play a part in treatment, to assess how progress is going and to understand whether management can be fulfilled. Therapy is highly beneficial as it provides a clear insight into responses, prior to leaving rehab.

Medications can be prescribed to help you through the detox and rehab treatment. However, as such behaviours can already lead to depression, medication will be the last resort to avoid the risk of dual diagnosis.

Through focused, suitable and personal recommendations of agoraphobia treatment, symptoms can be suppressed, understanding can be formed around causations and management tools can be promoted to help ease the fear of open spaces and treat your addiction.