General Causes of Agoraphobia

Agoraphobia can be a chronic, disabling condition which causes people to suffer in silence when those around them cannot understand. Agoraphobia is an anxiety disorder characterized by intense fear related to being in situations from which escape might be difficult or embarrassing. “Phobic situations” might include driving, shopping, crowded places, traveling, being alone, and social gatherings.

Causes of Agoraphobia are following:

• Agoraphobia develops in response to repeated exposure to anxiety-provoking events.
• Sometime agoraphobia develops in response to a frightening or traumatic event.
• Recent research has confirmed that there is a genetic component to agoraphobia.
• Chronic use of tranquilizers and sleeping pills can lead to causing agoraphobia.
• In many cases, agoraphobia develops after a person has experienced a panic attack (panic disorder). This involves feelings of intense, overwhelming terror along with physical symptoms such as sweating, dizziness, a pounding heart, and shortness of breath.
• Another factor in the development of agoraphobia is the history of respiratory disease.
• Chemical imbalances or medical conditions may also contribute to the development of agoraphobia.

Tags: Agoraphobia, Agoraphobia Causes, Anxiety, Anxiety Disorder, Fear, Phobias, Phobic Situations