Difference Between Agoraphobia and Panic Disorder

Difference Between Agoraphobia and Panic Disorder

There is a difference between Agoraphobia and panic disorder. It is estimated that up to 40% of us will experience a panic attack at some point in our lives, and most people will suffer from anxiety. About one to two percent of people develop panic disorder, which is more common in people who experience recurrent panic attacks.

As some people experience agoraphobia symptoms without also experiencing panic attacks, agoraphobia may be considered a separate condition from panic disorder. People who have agoraphobia may also suffer panic attacks.

Agoraphobia and panic disorder signs and symptoms.

Although panic episodes are not always linked with panic disorders, having frequent panic attacks is one of their symptoms. Although panic attacks can occur in certain agoraphobic individuals, this is unnecessary.

Panic attack’s signs

Unexpected panic attacks happen. While symptoms can vary from person to person, they often reach their climax within 10 minutes.

Four or more of the following are frequently present in a panic attack:

  • Chest pain
  • Cold flushes or hot flushes
  • Faintness or dizziness
  • Fear of death
  • Fear of getting insane or losing control.
  • The sensation of choking.
  • Having difficulty breathing.
  • Discomfort.
  • Fast heartbeat and thumping heart.
  • Sweating.
  • Feeling tingly or numb.
  • Shivering or trembling

Panic disorder signs and symptoms

If you have a panic disorder, you will experience multiple recurrent panic attacks rather than simply one.

Panic disorder symptoms include:

  • Sporadic and unforeseen panic attacks.
  • More than a month following the panic episode, persistent fear of experiencing another attack.
  • Persistent anxiety about what might happen if you have an episode, like losing control, “going mad,” or having a heart attack.

 Agoraphobia signs and symptoms

The fear of open spaces is often referred to as agoraphobia, but it is a much more complex condition. Agoraphobia is the fear or anxiety of being in situations from which there is no way out.

Among them are:

  • It can occur in a confined environment such as a theater, meeting room, or small business.
  • In a large shopping mall, car park, or bridge.
  • Using public transportation – buses, trains, or planes.
  • You are out on your own.

Agoraphobia and panic disorder causes

The causes of panic disorder and agoraphobia are unknown, although many risk factors exist.

  • Studies indicate that anxiety disorders and depressive diseases may have a hereditary component.
  • Negative life experiences – Extremely stressful events, such as childhood maltreatment, job loss, or the death of a family member or friend have been linked to recurring panic attacks.
  • Panic disorder is associated with cardiovascular arrhythmias, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and irritable bowel syndrome.

Diagnosis of panic disorder and agoraphobia

Diagnosis of Panic Disorder

You must have experienced the symptoms of panic disorder to meet the criteria for a diagnosis. Additionally, your doctor must guarantee that drugs, alcohol, or other physical or mental health issues aren’t to blame for your symptoms.

Diagnosis of Agoraphobia

To be diagnosed with agoraphobia, you must exhibit both the typical symptoms of the condition and a few additional indicators. The following are among them:

  • When you are in the same situation, you almost always feel fear or anxiety.
  • You steer clear of the scenario that brings on your symptoms.
  • Your fear and anxiety are out of proportion to the situation.
Recent Posts