How is agoraphobia treated?

How is agoraphobia treated?

Agoraphobia treatment usually involves a combination of treatment methods: therapy, medication and lifestyle changes.

A therapist can help you work through your fears. Using cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a mental healthcare provider can help you recognize thoughts that cause you anxiety. Then you’ll learn ways to react more productively.

Using relaxation and desensitization techniques, your provider may have you imagine a scary situation and manage the feelings. Eventually, you will be able to take part in activities that produce anxiety, and you will know how to manage your emotions. Over time, therapy can train the brain to think differently.

Your healthcare provider also may suggest medications called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). Those medications can treat depression and anxiety disorders.

You can manage agoraphobia with lifestyle changes:

• Avoid alcohol, drugs and caffeine (coffee, tea and soda, for example).
• Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet.
• Exercise regularly.
• Practice breathing exercises.