Causes of Agoraphobia: The Basis for Treatment
Causes of Agoraphobia primarily are brought about by environment and genetics but Its exact cause is currently unknown. Experts explain this with theories that could possibly, if not directly, be linked to agorphobia and anxiety. Knowing the actual and possible causes though will help with the treatment of agoraphobia.
- Stressful Environment- Inability to cope us with the stressors at home and in the workplace could trigger the development of this condition.
- Traumatic Experiences- History of painful or depressing experiences such as bereavement for the loss of a relative, history of physical or sexual abuse, and loss of job, and other forms of grief.
- Alcohol and Substance Abuse- the abuse of regulated or illegal drugs and alcoholism are identified as possible causes of agoraphobia.
- Long-Term Use of Medicines like Tranquilizers - Long term use of sleeping tablets or pills like benzodiazepines is a possible cause of the condition. Persons who use this drug tend to develop anxiety disorders and when asked to stop the use of tranquilizers, they have shown great improvement.
- Difficulty with Spatial Relation - Some agoraphobics are found out to have problems with their vestibulocochlear system (found in the inner ear), which is responsible for maintaining balance and spatial relation. Treatment of the problem with the sense of balance showed improvement on agoraphobia as well.
- History of Mental Illness - Agoraphobia could be caused by having other anxiety disorders and is linked to history of mental illnesses. This could be hereditary in nature as studies showed that manifestations of the said condition are present among family members.
Attachment Theory
This theory explains agoraphobia as affection deficit situation wherein a person loses his ability to withstand spatial separations from a secure post or location.
Evolutionary Psychology
This theory divides agoraphobia into two different classifications, Agoraphobia with Panic Attacks and Agoraphobia without Panic Attacks.
- Agoraphobia together with Panic Attacks- is considered a specific exaggerated fear (phobia), wherein a person feels comfort in avoiding open spaces and large crowds.
- Agoraphobia without occurrence of Panic Attacks- explains that the fear of open spaces may be due to a history of panic attacks. The person then avoids places and occurrences wherein the panic attacks may have taken place.
Mental Health Theory
This theory explains conditions through analyzing a person’s emotional or internal conflicts. It explains that agoraphobia resulted from a disturbed feeling secondary to an unsolved Oedipal Conflict (a struggle of a person’s feelings towards the parent with the opposite sex and a tendency to compete with the parent of the same sex).
Experts explain the causes of agoraphobia using theories that may be helpful as well in modifying the environment of a person or which could be helpful in the proper treatment of Agoraphobia. These theories aim to explain the nature and the possible causes of the condition.
