Agoraphobia is a phobia or irrational fear that makes a patient fear having a panic attack in unfamiliar surroundings, especially large or open spaces such as shopping malls or airports. Patients with this anxiety disorder may also avoid going out, stay confined in their homes, and have a lot of difficulty traveling.
There are a number of symptoms of agoraphobia that can be easily diagnosed through evaluative tests. The top five symptoms of agoraphobia are listed below:
- Rapid heartbeat: Rapid heartbeat or palpitations are among the most common and pronounced symptoms of agoraphobia. The heart starts beating extremely fast which can lead to difficulty breathing.
- Dizziness: Dizziness is another important symptom to note that causes an imbalance in the person’s spatial perception. Dizziness or giddiness is also associated with a number of distressing conditions including vertigo. Generally, when experiencing dizziness, patients lose their balance, and in extreme cases, this may lead to a fall or cause them to become unconscious. Such patients that experience dizziness as a symptom might need medical intervention and the use of revival methods.
- Diarrhea: Diarrhea is one of the most prominent symptoms of panic agoraphobia. Patients experiencing panic attacks generally suffer from diarrhea. This symptom can be caused by a sudden electrolyte imbalance in the body and can also bring about dehydration in patients. This is a common symptom in developing countries where panic and anxiety attacks are not treated properly or where proper diarrhea treatment medications are unavailable.
- Intense Fear: People suffering from anxiety attacks may have intense fear following an emotional trigger. This may be quite debilitating for the patients as it does not allow them to function normally.
- Disorientation: Disorientation is another important symptoms of agoraphobia to note and a cause of symptoms such as dizziness and loss of balance.
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