Agoraphobia in Seniors: Causes, Symptoms and Support Guide

How Is It Treated?

The goal of treatment is to help you feel and function better. The success of treatment usually depends in part on how severe the agoraphobia is. Treatment most often combines talk therapy with a medicine. Certain medicines, often also used to treat depression, may be helpful for this disorder. They work by preventing your symptoms or making them less severe. You must take these medicines every day. Do not stop taking them or change the dosage without talking with your provider.

• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are most often the first choice of antidepressant.
• Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are another choice.

Other medicines used to treat depression or medicines used to treat seizures may also be tried.

Medicines called sedatives or hypnotics may also be prescribed.

• These medicines should only be taken under your provider’s direction.
• Your provider will prescribe a limited amount of these medicines. They should not to be used every day.
• They may be used when symptoms become very severe or when you are about to be exposed to something that always brings on your symptoms.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of talk therapy. It typically involves 10 to 20 visits with a mental health professional over several weeks or longer. CBT helps you change the thoughts that cause your condition. It may involve:

• Understanding and controlling distorted feelings or views of stressful events or situations
• Learning stress management and relaxation techniques
• Relaxing, then imagining the things that cause the anxiety, working from the least fearful to the most fearful (called systematic desensitization and exposure therapy)

You may also be slowly exposed to the real-life situation that causes the fear to help you overcome it.

A healthy lifestyle that includes exercise, getting enough rest, and good nutrition can also be helpful.

What Are Support Groups?

You can ease the stress of having agoraphobia by joining a support group. Sharing with others who have common experiences and problems can help you not feel alone.

Support groups are usually not a good substitute for talk therapy or taking medicine, but can be a helpful addition.

See below for more information and support for people with agoraphobia:

Anxiety and Depression Association of America —

What Is Outlook (Prognosis)?

Most people can get better with medicines and CBT. Without early and effective help, the disorder may become harder to treat.

What Are Possible Complications?

Some people with agoraphobia may:

• Use alcohol or other substances while trying to self-medicate.
• Be unable to function at work or in social situations.
• Feel isolated, lonely, depressed, or suicidal.

When to Contact a Medical Professional?

Contact your provider to make an appointment if you have symptoms of agoraphobia.

If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, call or text 988 or chat

. You can also call 1-800-273-8255 (1-800-273-TALK). The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline provides free and confidential support 24/7, anytime day or night.

You can also call 911 or the local emergency number or go to the hospital emergency room. DO NOT delay.

If someone you know has attempted suicide, call 911 or the local emergency number right away. DO NOT leave the person alone, even after you have called for help.

How Is It Prevented?

Early treatment of

can often prevent agoraphobia.