Diagnosis Of Agoraphobia And Panic Disorder

Persistent concern about having additional attacksb. Worry about the implications of the attack or its consequences(e.g., losing control, having a heart attack, “going crazy”)c. A significant change in behavior related to the attacksB. The presence (or absence) of Agoraphobia.C. The Panic Attacks are not due to the direct physiological effects of a substance (e.g., a drug of abuse, a medication) or a general medical condition (e.g., hyperthyroidism).D. The Panic Attacks are not better accounted for by another mental disorder, such as Social Phobia (e.g., occurring on exposure to feared social situations), Specific Phobia (e.g., on exposure to a specific phobic situation), Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (e.g., on exposure to dirt in someone with an obsession about contamination), Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (e.g., in response to stimuli associated with a severe stressor), or Separation Anxiety Disorder (e.g., in response to being away from home or close relatives).(APA, 2000)

A phobic disorder is marked by a persistent and irrational fear of an object or situation that presents no realistic danger. Agoraphobia is an intense, irrational fear or anxiety occasioned by the prospect of having to enter certain outdoor locations or open spaces. For example, busy streets, busy stores, tunnels, bridges, public transportation and cars. Traditionally agoraphobia was solely classified as a phobic disorder. However, due to recent studies it is now also viewed as a panic disorder. Panic disorders are characterised by recurrent attacks of overwhelming anxiety that usually occur suddenly and unexpectedly (Weiten, 1998).

Bob Wiley has the criteria for a diagnosis of having dependent personality disorder, panic disorder with agoraphobia, OCD, hypochondria, and multiple phobias. The criteria to be diagnosed with dependent personality disorder includes having difficulties making decisions without seeking advice from others, the need for others to take control and make decisions for them, having trouble saying no, experiencing difficulty starting projects without assistance from others, having the need for support which causes one to behave in risky ways, having fears of abonnement, and feeling helpless when alone (Psychology Today).The criteria for panic disorder with agoraphobia include that a person experiences a deep fear when put in certain situations such as using public transportation, standing in a line, being in closed or open areas, and being alone when not in their home (Psych Central).

Definition: Agoraphobia is the fear of being in a situation where there may be lack of an escape or help, and may result in embarrassment and humiliation. (MedicineNet, 2013) This may include being in a public or open place; like in a crowd, standing in line, being in some mode of transportation, being on a bridge, or being out alone. (Psych Central Staff, 2013) Often, those with Agoraphobia need the presence of a companion to leave their house or venture to specific places. Anxiety is accompanied when one is placed in these threatening situations and they will experience panic-like symptoms or a panic attack. This fear will cause one to entirely avoid these places or situations and become more reclusive to decrease the panic attacks.

In this paper, the intern was placed at the Mobile County Department of Human Resources in the Adult Protective Services department and will be disclosing information about a particular case during their internship. To protect the clients and all parties associated confidentially within this case, material that could reveal their identity will not be discussed and only relevant information about the case will be addressed. The clients in this case have been both diagnosed with agoraphobia with panic disorder. According to the Social Work Dictionary (2014) agoraphobia is described as “an irrational and persistent fear of being in unfamiliar places or of leaving one’s home” (Baker, p. 13). Agoraphobia with panic disorder is a difficult mental illness to treat, especially with two individuals who have made the decision to stay in isolation. Ebenfeld (2014) explains panic disorder as having unexpected panic attacks and the worry of future attacks (p.2). Some professionals believe that agoraphobia is a secondary onset associated with panic disorders and for the twins’ situation, it is unsure which diagnosis was developed first.

Current diagnostic criteria for SaraBeth’s disorders is better explained by criterion A – D in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and criterion A – E in Anxiety Disorder due to another medical condition. OCD criteria A requires that the individual have the presence of obsession and/or compulsions. SaraBeth reports obsessions of recurrent and persistent thoughts about harm coming to her parents and although she had attempted to ignore these thoughts she continues with performing her compulsions. SaraBeth’s compulsions are evident by reported repetitive behaviors of performing ritual prayers, persistent checking on the iron and stove and although SaraBeth can admit that her fear is unrealistic, she continues the compulsions in order to feel better or to relieve oneself. Criteria B requires that the obsessions and/or compulsions be time-consuming (more than one hour) or cause clinically significant distress or impairments in important areas of function. SaraBeth has stated that can spend three to four hours during the day engaged in checking behaviors. Criteria C entails that the obsessions-compulsive symptoms are not attributable to the physiological effects of a substance or another medical condition. SaraBeth currently has no indication of a medical condition or substance use prior to the first onset of her obsessive-compulsive symptoms. Criteria D requires that the disturbance not better explained by the symptoms of another medical condition. Currently there is no evidence

Historically in the social work profession, there have not been many well known cases of clients with agoraphobia and little policies related to the diagnosis. Essentially the twins’ mental illness makes it difficult to get them everything they need. To improve their way of life relies on their motivation and willingness for change.

Through psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy treatment, specifically the use of the antidepressant Zoloft (sertraline), Paula was able to learn what panic attacks are and coping mechanisms for when they occurs. She can now do things alone and on her own. Her agoraphobia is less severe now than before due to her gradual exposure therapy. The medications helped reduce the panic disorder. After 7 months of therapy, Paula was discharged but remained taking medicine. With this medicine, the skills learned and therapy, I think that she will continue to thrive as long as she remains well equipped with the skills and steps to take when panic attacks hit. The fact that Paula can leave the house and experience life with more ease leads me to believe her prognosis is good as the therapist

There are many misconceptions that come along with a disorder such as Agoraphobia, but it is important to become aware of the true definition of the disorder and the detrimental effects that it has on individuals that are all around us on a day-to-day basis. A major misconception about Agoraphobia is that it is incurable; this is simply false. Many individuals who struggle with a disorder such as Agoraphobia can seek therapy to help with them eventually overcome their fear. For Claire, she first looked into Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to start helping her overcome her phobia, and then she joined a support group where she was able to talk to other individuals struggling with her same

2017, pg.189).” Panic disorder with agoraphobia is often a very debilitating mental disorder for the individuals suffering with these disorders, and can take the form of a wide range of symptoms, the

I believe that Nadine fits the criteria relative to Social Anxiety Disorder 300.23 (F40.10). According to the DSM-5, Social Anxiety Disorder has ten diagnostic criteria. The first diagnostic criteria, A. is “marked fear or anxiety about one or more social situations in which the individual is exposed to possible scrutiny by others. Examples include social interactions (e.g., having a conversation, meeting unfamiliar people), being observed (e.g., eating or drinking), and performing in front of others (e.g., giving a speech)” (DSM, p. 202). Nadine demonstrates this diagnostic criteria, because for example, she is afraid to go to a public park and “had become scared to even read by herself in the local park” (quoted from case study).

Among the many diseases in this world, some of the most interesting and least understood are illnesses of the mind. One aliment in particular, Agoraphobia, is of particular interest to me as it affects many of my family members in ways both subtle and drastic, and I cannot help but wonder if I too will fall victim to it. I know from previous knowledge that this particular ailment is a mental one, though I have witnessed it causing drastic physical symptoms, and that it generally involves a fear of leaving home for an open, public place. Through research, I aim to find the cause of agoraphobia, including anything that predisposes one to it, and treatments for it, including both medications and therapy. I would also like to know just how

According to the DSM, the major symptoms of Panic Disorder with Agoraphobia are, recurrent panic attacks and enduring anxiety about experiencing another panic attack. The individual is also anxious about going places where escape might be difficult or embarrassing, or where they will be unable to receive assistance in case of emergency.

Agoraphobia is the fear or anxiety about a situation characterized by active avoidance of situations due to thoughts that escape might be difficult or help unavailable if panic-like symptoms occur. [1]

the intense fear of being in situations with unknown people, avoidance of social situations, and