What is Agoraphobia? What is the Agoraphobia Test?

Agoraphobia is more than just being afraid of open spaces. It’s a complicated anxiety disorder that can make it very hard for a person to move around and enjoy themselves. A lot of people don’t realize they have Agoraphobia until they start to stay away from certain places or situations because they’re afraid of having a panic attack. If you get anxious when you ride public transportation, are in a crowded place, or even go outside alone, taking an agoraphobia test could be a good first step towards figuring out what’s wrong and getting help.

What is Agoraphobia?

Agoraphobia is an anxiety disorder that makes people very afraid of situations where they can’t get away or get help if they start to panic. People with this disease are often scared of being alone in public places, on public transportation, in crowded malls, and away from home.

A lot of people who have panic disorder also have Agoraphobia because they have had a lot of panic attacks in public places.   They might eventually avoid those places altogether to avoid another incident.

An agoraphobia test finds these avoidance patterns by looking at how much certain fears get in the way of normal life. To better understand Agoraphobia, you have to understand the diagnostic criteria of Agoraphobia according to DSM-5-TR.

Diagnostic Criteria A.

Individuals have a significant fear of five of the following situations.

1. Anxiety or fear of using public transport.
2. Anxiety of being in open places.
3. Fear of closed places.
4. Fear of standing in lines.
5. Fear of getting outside the home alone.

Diagnostic Criteria B.

Individuals have a fear of these places because they think that escape might be difficult.

Diagnostic Criteria C.

Agoraphobic provokes anxiety in individuals.

Diagnostic Criteria D.

Individuals try actively to avoid agoraphobic situations.

Diagnostic Criteria E.

Anxiety due to an agoraphobic situation is out of proportion.

Diagnostic Criteria F.

Fear and anxiety affect the daily functioning of an individual.

What is the Agoraphobia Test?

Mental health professionals use an agoraphobia test to see if someone meets the criteria for Agoraphobia.   It usually includes several questions about how you feel and act in different social or public situations.

You can take the test online, which can help you figure out how bad your symptoms are before you go to a doctor.   But only a licensed therapist or psychologist can give you an official diagnosis. The agoraphobia test looks at these common areas:

(i)             Fear of using public transport, like buses, trains, planes or the tube.

(ii)           Fear of wide-open spaces, like markets or parking lots.

(iii)         Fear of small spaces, like theatres or lifts.

(iv)          Not going to crowded places.

(v)           Being afraid to leave the house alone.

The agoraphobia test uses a rating scale. A high score means a higher risk of Agoraphobia, and implies that a specialist should look into it further.

What are the Signs of Agoraphobia?

The common signs of Agoraphobia are:

1. A fast heartbeat
2. Breathlessness
3. Feeling dizzy or passing out
4. Pain in the chest
5. Shaking or sweating
6. Feeling sick or having stomach problems
7. Fear of panic attacks

A lot of people develop Agoraphobia after having a panic attack in public and worrying that it will happen again. If you recognize these signs, an agoraphobia test could help you figure out if your worries are related to this condition.

What makes people agoraphobic?

No one thing causes Agoraphobia; it is usually a combination of biological, psychological, and environmental factors.

Panic Disorder:

A lot of people have panic attacks out of the blue.   People start to connect certain places, like buses or malls, with fear over time. This can lead to Agoraphobia.

Genetic Factors:

If you have anxiety in your family history, then there is are chance to get Agoraphobia.

Personality Type:

People with an anxious personality are more sensitive. They have more chances to have Agoraphobia.

Traumatic Experiences:

Any traumatic life experience, like accidents or abuse, can cause long-lasting fears.

Agoraphobia and Public Transportation

People with Agoraphobia find it very stressful to use public transport. The limited space on a bus or train and the lack of control and few exits can make people very scared.

Individuals with Agoraphobia may:

1. Feel dizzy while driving
2. Don’t drive long distances
3. Sweat and shake when using public transport

How Agoraphobia Affects Everyday Life?

Agoraphobia can have a big effect on your personal, professional, and social life.

You might stop attending family events, social events, or shopping trips.

(i)             Without help, driving, getting to work, or running errands may be hard.

(ii)           As people become more isolated, their relationships may suffer.

(iii)         Not being there or being stressed out can worsen your work performance.

If you take any professional agoraphobia test at an early stage, you can help keep the disease from getting worse.

How to treat Agoraphobia?

The good news is that Agoraphobia can be treated. Modern treatments are based on evidence and try to lower fear responses, change how you think, and improve your quality of life.

  1. Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

CBT, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, is the best treatment for individuals with Agoraphobia. It helps you to:

(i)             Realise negative thoughts and then help you to rephrase these thoughts.

(ii)           Stop the thoughts of escape.

(iii)         Exposure therapy is also part of CBT. It helps to deal with scary situations. When you practice relaxation exercises and mindfulness techniques, CBT will be more effective.

  2. Drugs.

For some individuals, antidepressants and SSRIs are required. Therapy and medication are often given together to get the best results.

  3. Ways to improve your life and help yourself.

Deep, steady breathing exercises can help you feel less panicked when your anxiety levels rise.

Mindfulness and meditation are two ways to calm the mind and become more aware of yourself.

Endorphins are released when you exercise regularly, which helps lower stress.

After the agoraphobia test, therapists or mental health professionals use these methods to treat you.