Agoraphobia and Panic Disorder: Understanding the Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options

Agoraphobia with panic disorder (PD) is a phobia-anxiety condition that makes sufferers avoid situations or locations where it could feel embarrassed or be unable to leave or get help in case of a PD. Agoraphobia has been associated with recurrent PD syndrome over the last 50 years, and in many instances, it is regarded to represent the normal progression or complication of PD. Even though agoraphobia with PD is quite common in patients receiving primary care, medical professionals often fail to recognize and adequately treat the disease. These medications alleviate the usually associated depression symptoms as well. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) are well-tolerated and effective for both anxious and depressive symptoms, making the primary option for treating agoraphobia with PD in the short, medium, and long term. SSRIs which are less likely to cause withdrawal symptoms after abrupt discontinuation should be used for long-term prophylaxis. Tricyclic Antidepressant (TCA) can be a second-line therapy for PD if SSRIs don't work, although venlafaxine hasn't been researched long-term. High-potency medications are advantageous choices for short-term therapy since ithas been shown to have a quick start of anti-anxiety action, having favorable benefits. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which is the non-pharmacological approach that has gotten the most research, can be employed with a variety of patients depending on how easily it is accessible.