For many people, leaving the house or being in crowded places may seem like a normal part of everyday life. However, for those living with agoraphobia, these ordinary situations can become a significant source of anxiety and fear. A person may experience increasing distress when being in open or crowded spaces, using public transportation, or finding themselves in situations where escaping quickly or getting help may be difficult.Agoraphobia is not limited to feelings of fear or anxiety. Over time, it may lead a person to avoid a growing number of places and situations, which can affect their daily activities, relationships, education, or work. Understanding the nature of agoraphobia and recognizing its symptoms and causes can help identify the condition early and encourage appropriate treatment.In this article from Dalili Medical, we will explore agoraphobia, including its most common symptoms and causes, how it is diagnosed, and the most effective treatment approaches that can help individuals regain a sense of safety and return to their daily lives with greater confidence.

What Is Agoraphobia?

Agoraphobia, also known as the fear of open or public spaces, is an anxiety disorder characterized by intense or recurrent fear of being in places or situations where escaping or getting help may be difficult, particularly if severe symptoms such as a panic attack occur. This fear may lead a person to avoid certain places and situations, which can affect their daily life.

Does Agoraphobia Mean a Fear of Open Spaces Only?

No. This is a common misconception, and the name of the disorder can be somewhat misleading. Agoraphobia is generally associated with fear of situations in which a person feels that escaping may be difficult or that help may not be readily available if severe symptoms or a panic attack occur.

These situations may include using public transportation, being in crowded places, being in open or enclosed spaces, standing in lines, or leaving home alone.

Does a Person With Agoraphobia Fear Other People?

Not necessarily. The primary fear in agoraphobia is not usually related to other people's opinions or judgment. In contrast, fear of embarrassment or negative evaluation by others is more closely associated with social anxiety disorder.

With agoraphobia, the anxiety is generally related to difficulty leaving a situation or being unable to obtain help when experiencing distress or panic symptoms.

Does Agoraphobia Mean That a Person Cannot Leave the House?

Not necessarily. The severity of agoraphobia varies from person to person. Some individuals may be able to leave home for short distances while avoiding certain places or situations, whereas others may feel they need someone to accompany them when going out.

In more severe cases, a person may avoid leaving home except when absolutely necessary or may almost completely avoid going outside.

Can Agoraphobia Begin After a Single Panic Attack?

Yes, agoraphobia can develop in some people after experiencing a panic attack, although this does not happen to everyone. A person may experience a panic attack in a particular place or situation and then become afraid that it will happen again in the same place or in similar situations.

As avoidance continues, the range of feared situations may gradually expand, leading the person to avoid more places where they believe escaping or obtaining help could be difficult.

Is Agoraphobia a Real Mental Health Disorder Even When Medical Tests Are Normal?

Yes. Agoraphobia is a genuine mental health disorder, and the physical symptoms associated with anxiety are real rather than imaginary. A person may experience symptoms such as a rapid heartbeat, dizziness, shortness of breath, sweating, tension, or a feeling of being unsteady.

Normal medical test results do not mean that these symptoms are not real. Instead, they may be related to the body's anxiety response and activation of the nervous system when a person perceives fear or threat.

Can Exposure to a Feared Place Make the Condition Worse?

Anxiety may temporarily increase when a person faces a situation that triggers fear, particularly if the exposure is intense or sudden. For this reason, exposure is generally introduced gradually and in a structured manner rather than confronting the most difficult situation all at once.

Gradual exposure is one of the techniques used in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). It helps individuals learn how to cope with and tolerate anxiety and understand that feeling afraid does not necessarily mean that there is a real danger or that they must escape the situation.

Can Agoraphobia Go Away on Its Own?

Symptoms may improve over time in some people. However, continued avoidance of feared places and situations can maintain the problem or gradually expand the range of situations the person avoids.

Therefore, if agoraphobia begins to interfere with a person's ability to leave home, work, study, participate in daily activities, or maintain social relationships, it is advisable to consult a mental health professional for an appropriate assessment and individualized treatment plan rather than simply waiting for the symptoms to disappear.

What Causes Agoraphobia?

Agoraphobia does not usually have one single cause. Several psychological, biological, and environmental factors may contribute to its development.

Previous Panic Attacks

Panic attacks are commonly associated with agoraphobia. A person may experience a sudden panic attack in a public place and then become afraid that it will happen again in the same location.

Over time, they may begin avoiding the place where the panic attack occurred, and this avoidance may gradually extend to other places and situations.

For example, a person may experience a panic attack while riding the subway. They may then begin avoiding the subway, followed by other forms of public transportation, and eventually avoid places that are far from home.

Fear of Being Unable to Get Help

A person with agoraphobia may experience recurring thoughts and fears such as:

• “What if I feel like I cannot breathe?”

• “What if I lose consciousness?”

• “What if I have a panic attack and no one can help me?”

As these thoughts are repeated, certain places and situations may gradually become mentally associated with danger, even though they are not actually dangerous.

Distressing Experiences or Highly Stressful Events

Agoraphobia may develop in some people after a frightening experience or a particularly stressful period, such as:

• Being involved in a car accident.

• Experiencing a frightening situation in a crowded place.

• Developing a sudden health problem while away from home.

• Losing a loved one.

• Going through a highly stressful life event.

However, a clear traumatic experience or specific triggering event is not necessary for agoraphobia to develop.

Persistent Anxiety and Psychological Stress

Long periods of stress and psychological pressure may increase a person's sensitivity to anxiety symptoms. They may become more focused on sensations such as a racing heartbeat, dizziness, or shortness of breath and then interpret these sensations as signs of danger.

This can contribute to a cycle in which physical sensations trigger fear, fear increases anxiety, and the resulting symptoms reinforce the person's belief that the situation is unsafe.

This interpretation can further increase anxiety, which may in turn intensify the physical symptoms.

Misinterpretation of Physical Symptoms

In some cases, the problem may begin with a normal physical sensation or a sensation associated with anxiety, such as a racing heartbeat or dizziness. However, the person may interpret these sensations catastrophically.

For example:

Heart palpitations → “There may be something seriously wrong” → increased fear → increased adrenaline → more palpitations and dizziness → even greater fear.

As this cycle is repeated, the person may begin avoiding places where they believe they will be unable to control these symptoms or obtain help if needed.

Genetic and Biological Factors

Research suggests that anxiety disorders may run in families, indicating that some individuals may have a genetic predisposition to anxiety. Various systems and processes within the brain and nervous system are also involved in regulating fear and anxiety.

However, having a family history of anxiety disorders does not necessarily mean that a person will develop agoraphobia. Genetic factors interact with psychological, environmental, and life experiences in complex ways.

Coexisting Anxiety Disorders

Agoraphobia may occur alongside other anxiety disorders, including:

• Panic disorder

• Social anxiety disorder

• Generalized anxiety disorder

Some symptoms of agoraphobia may also overlap with symptoms of other fear- and anxiety-related disorders.

How Can Avoidance Make Agoraphobia Worse?

Avoidance is an important factor that can contribute to the persistence of agoraphobia.

When a person feels afraid in a particular place and then leaves or avoids it, they often experience temporary relief. The brain may then indirectly learn that avoiding the place was what kept the person safe.

Over time, this can make returning to the situation more difficult, and the cycle of avoidance may gradually expand to include more places and situations.

For this reason, psychological treatment often focuses on helping the person gradually and systematically face feared situations rather than continuing to avoid them.

What Are the Symptoms of Agoraphobia?

The symptoms of agoraphobia vary from person to person. They may range from anxiety and fear related to certain situations and places to severe physical symptoms that resemble those experienced during a panic attack.

Over time, these fears may lead the person to avoid certain places or situations because they are afraid they will be unable to escape or obtain help if necessary.

First: Psychological and Cognitive Symptoms

A person with agoraphobia may experience a range of recurring thoughts and fears, including:

• Intense fear of being in places that are difficult to leave, such as public transportation, airplanes, elevators, or crowded places.

• Fear of leaving the house alone.

• Anxiety when standing in lines or being surrounded by crowds.

• Fear of open or wide spaces and, in some cases, enclosed spaces.

• Persistent thoughts about the possibility of something unexpected happening without being able to leave or obtain help, such as: “What if something happens to me and I cannot get out?” or “What if I have a panic attack in front of other people?”

• Excessive monitoring of bodily sensations for signs of anxiety, such as dizziness, shortness of breath, or a rapid heartbeat.

• Feeling that certain places are unsafe, even if the person has never experienced anything dangerous there before.

Second: Physical Symptoms

When exposed to a situation that triggers fear, a person may experience symptoms of anxiety or symptoms resembling a panic attack, including:

• Rapid heartbeat or heart palpitations.

• Shortness of breath or a feeling of suffocation.

• Dizziness or a sense of being unsteady.

• Sweating and trembling.

• Nausea or stomach discomfort.

• Chest pain or pressure.

• Feeling unusually hot or experiencing chills.

• Numbness or tingling in the extremities.

• A sense of unreality or feeling detached from one's surroundings.

• An intense feeling of losing control, fear of fainting, or fear that something dangerous is about to happen.

Third: Avoidance Behaviors

Avoiding situations and places that trigger fear is one of the most prominent signs associated with agoraphobia. This may include:

• Avoiding leaving the house or limiting outings as much as possible.

• Avoiding travel or public transportation.

• Avoiding crowded places or locations far from home.

• Choosing a particular route or location because it allows for a quick exit.

• Sitting near doors or emergency exits to feel safer.

• Avoiding certain places unless accompanied by someone the person feels safe with.

• Frequently carrying medications or certain items simply to feel reassured.

• Leaving a place as soon as anxiety begins or physical symptoms appear.

As avoidance continues, the range of situations that the person fears may gradually expand, which can interfere with their ability to carry out everyday activities normally. Therefore, recognizing the symptoms early and seeking professional help can be an important step toward managing agoraphobia and reducing its impact on daily life.

How Is Agoraphobia Diagnosed?

Agoraphobia is primarily diagnosed through a psychological and clinical assessment rather than through a blood test, imaging scan, or a single medical examination. The doctor or mental health professional assesses the nature of the person's fear and anxiety, the situations that trigger them, how long the symptoms have been present, and how significantly they affect daily life. The clinician also considers whether another mental health condition or medical problem could better explain the symptoms.

1. Assessing Symptoms and Medical History

Diagnosis usually begins with a series of questions designed to understand the nature of the problem, such as:

• Which places or situations trigger your fear or anxiety?

• Does your anxiety increase when leaving home, using public transportation, or being in crowded or open spaces?

• What do you expect might happen if you remain in the situation that causes you fear?

• Are you afraid that you will be unable to escape or obtain help if you become unwell or experience panic?

• Do you experience physical symptoms such as heart palpitations, dizziness, shortness of breath, or feeling as though you may faint?

• Do you avoid certain places or situations because of fear? Do you need someone to accompany you?

• To what extent do these fears affect your work, education, relationships, or daily activities?

The answers to these questions help the clinician develop a comprehensive understanding of the symptoms and their impact on the person's life.

2. Assessing Situations That Trigger Fear

The clinician focuses on identifying the situations associated with anxiety and fear. Common examples include:

• Using public transportation.

• Being in open spaces.

• Being in enclosed spaces.

• Standing in lines or being in crowds.

• Being outside the home alone.

Diagnosis is not based simply on being afraid of one of these situations. Instead, the clinician considers the overall pattern of fear, anxiety, and avoidance, along with the person's belief that escaping may be difficult or that help may not be available if severe symptoms occur.

3. Assessing the Duration and Impact of Symptoms

One important diagnostic criterion for agoraphobia is that the symptoms typically persist for six months or longer. The feared situations must also lead to avoidance or be endured with significant distress or anxiety.

The clinician also evaluates how much the condition affects the person's daily life, including their ability to leave home, attend work or school, use public transportation, and participate in social or everyday activities.

4. Ruling Out Other Mental Health and Medical Conditions

Some symptoms of agoraphobia can overlap with other mental health conditions. Therefore, the clinician may need to distinguish agoraphobia from conditions such as:

• Panic disorder.

• Social anxiety disorder.

• Specific phobias.

• Generalized anxiety disorder.

• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The doctor may also recommend certain medical tests when necessary to rule out physical conditions that can cause similar symptoms, particularly when a person experiences new or unusual symptoms such as severe palpitations, fainting, chest pain, or shortness of breath.

Overall, diagnosing agoraphobia involves a comprehensive assessment of the person's symptoms, the situations that trigger them, patterns of avoidance, the duration of the problem, and its impact on daily life, while also ruling out other possible causes.

Treatment of Agoraphobia With Medication

Agoraphobia can be treated with medication in some cases, particularly when anxiety symptoms are severe, accompanied by panic attacks, or when fear and avoidance significantly interfere with daily life.

The choice of medication depends on the nature of the symptoms and the person's overall health. Medication is not necessarily the only treatment option and may be combined with psychological therapy, particularly cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), depending on the clinician's assessment.

1. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)

SSRIs are among the main medication options used to treat anxiety and panic-related disorders. Common examples include:

• Sertraline

• Escitalopram

• Fluoxetine

• Paroxetine

• Citalopram

• Fluvoxamine

These medications are generally used over the longer term to help reduce anxiety, panic attacks, fear, and avoidance-related behaviors.

What Happens When Treatment Begins?

These medications do not work immediately like some sedative medications. It may take several weeks before noticeable improvement occurs. Some people may initially experience a temporary increase in anxiety or other side effects before symptoms gradually improve.

Possible side effects may include:

• Nausea or stomach discomfort.

• Headache.

• Changes in sleep.

• Temporary increases in anxiety in some people.

• Increased sweating.

• Reduced sexual desire or difficulty reaching orgasm in some people.

The doctor determines the appropriate dose and may gradually adjust it according to the person's response to treatment and tolerance of side effects.

2. Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs)

This group includes medications that may be used to treat certain anxiety and panic disorders. Examples include:

• Venlafaxine

• Duloxetine

Venlafaxine is one of the medication options used to treat panic disorder in some patients.

These medications may also cause side effects during the early stages of treatment. Therefore, the doctor considers the person's overall health, blood pressure, other medications they take, and other relevant health factors when selecting an appropriate treatment.

3. Benzodiazepines

Examples of medications in this group include:

• Alprazolam

• Clonazepam

• Lorazepam

• Diazepam

These medications have a relatively rapid onset of action compared with antidepressants and may help reduce severe anxiety quickly.

However, they are generally not preferred for long-term treatment because of the risk of dependence and tolerance. They may also cause side effects such as drowsiness, impaired concentration and memory, and an increased risk of falls in some people.

Therefore, benzodiazepines should only be used under medical supervision. They should not be started or stopped suddenly without medical advice, particularly when they have been used regularly, as abrupt discontinuation may cause withdrawal symptoms.

4. Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs)

Examples include:

• Clomipramine

• Imipramine

These medications can be effective in treating panic disorder and some cases associated with agoraphobia. However, they may not be the first choice in many cases because they can cause more side effects than some newer antidepressants.

A doctor may consider these medications when other treatment options are not appropriate or when an adequate response has not been achieved, with regular follow-up to monitor the patient's response and any side effects.

Can Agoraphobia Be Treated With Medication Alone?

Medication may help reduce anxiety and panic attacks, but it does not necessarily address all patterns of avoidance and fear on its own. Therefore, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), including gradual exposure to feared situations, can be an important part of the treatment plan.

The appropriate treatment varies from person to person. Therefore, no medication should be started, stopped, or adjusted without consulting a doctor or psychiatrist.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for Agoraphobia

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the main therapeutic approaches used to manage agoraphobia. It does not involve forcing a person to confront their fears suddenly. Instead, it helps them understand the relationship between their thoughts, emotions, physical symptoms, and behaviors, and then gradually practice facing situations they have begun to avoid.

How Does Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Work?

People with agoraphobia often become caught in a recurring cycle that may look like this:

Physical sensation → catastrophic interpretation → increased fear → worsening symptoms → escape or avoidance → temporary relief → increased fear in the future.

For example, a person may experience heart palpitations while being somewhere far from home and think:

“I’m going to have a panic attack and I won’t be able to get back.”

Anxiety then increases, which may intensify the palpitations. The person decides to leave the situation and feels relieved after getting away.

As a result, the brain may indirectly learn that leaving the situation prevented danger, making the same place or situation feel even more threatening the next time.

CBT aims to gradually break this cycle.

1. Identifying Fear-Related Thoughts

The therapist helps the person identify situations that trigger anxiety and the thoughts that occur during those situations, rather than automatically treating these thoughts as established facts.

For example:

Situation	Fear-related thought	Fear intensity
Going somewhere far from home	“I will become dizzy and won’t be able to get back.”	80%
Riding the subway	“I will feel suffocated and no one will be able to help me.”	90%
Going out alone	“What if I lose control?”	70%

 

Recording these thoughts can help identify patterns of thinking that increase anxiety and provide an opportunity to examine them more realistically.

2. Reassessing Fearful Thoughts

The goal of CBT is not to convince the person that “nothing bad will ever happen.” Instead, it helps them develop more realistic and balanced ways of thinking.

Instead of thinking:

“If I feel anxious, it means I am in danger.”

The person may learn to think:

“I may feel anxious, but feeling anxious does not necessarily mean that I am in danger.”

Or:

“Even if I experience a panic attack, it is an unpleasant but temporary experience, and I can learn to cope with it.”

This step is important because the problem in agoraphobia is not always the physical sensation itself, but also the fear of what that sensation means and what the person believes may happen as a result.

3. Gradual Exposure to Feared Situations

Gradual exposure is an important component of CBT for agoraphobia.

Rather than avoiding all situations that trigger fear, the person works with the therapist to create a list of feared situations and gradually organize them from the least anxiety-provoking to the most challenging.

Depending on the individual's condition, the plan may include:

• Standing outside the front door for a few minutes.

• Walking a short distance near home.

• Gradually increasing the walking distance.

• Going to a nearby store.

• Visiting a more crowded store.

• Going to a location farther from home.

• Using public transportation for a short distance.

• Gradually increasing the duration or distance of the journey.

There is no single exposure plan that works for everyone. The exposure hierarchy is tailored to the situations that trigger fear for each individual and their ability to cope with them.

4. Learning Not to Escape Immediately When Anxiety Occurs

Anxiety may increase at the beginning of exposure to a feared situation, and this is expected.

The goal is not necessarily to bring anxiety down to zero every time, but rather to learn:

“I can feel anxious and remain in the situation without needing to escape immediately.”

With appropriate repeated practice, the person can learn that anxiety is tolerable and that feeling afraid does not necessarily mean that there is a real danger.

5. Managing “Safety Behaviors”

Some people rely on certain behaviors or objects that give them a sense of safety when facing situations that trigger fear. These may include:

• Leaving the house only with a particular person.

• Always sitting near a door or exit.

• Constantly looking for the nearest hospital or medical center.

• Frequently monitoring their heart rate.

• Making sure there is an exit before entering a place.

• Carrying certain medications or items in case something goes wrong.

Some of these behaviors may be necessary or useful in certain circumstances. However, excessive reliance on them may maintain fear in some people. Therefore, the therapist may discuss these behaviors with the person and work on gradually reducing reliance on them in an appropriate and safe manner.

6. Learning Skills to Manage Anxiety Symptoms

A therapist may help the person develop a range of skills for managing anxiety, such as observing thoughts without becoming caught up in them, improving focus and attention, and using relaxation techniques when appropriate.

However, the main goal of treatment is not to use breathing or relaxation techniques as a way to escape anxiety or prevent it at all costs. Instead, the aim is to gradually develop the ability to tolerate anxious feelings and cope with them without allowing anxiety to control the person's behavior.

How Many Sessions Are Needed to Treat Agoraphobia?

The duration of treatment varies from person to person depending on the severity of symptoms, the degree of avoidance, and the impact of the disorder on daily life. Treatment may continue for several weeks or months and often includes exercises and practice between therapy sessions.

When leaving the house is extremely difficult, treatment may begin gradually from home or through teletherapy, depending on the clinician's assessment and what is most appropriate for the individual's circumstances.

Can a Person Recover From Agoraphobia?

Many people can achieve significant improvement with appropriate treatment and adherence to their treatment plan. The practical goal of treatment is often to restore the person's ability to participate in daily life, reduce fear and avoidance, and improve their ability to cope with situations that previously triggered anxiety.

Improvement does not necessarily mean that the person will never experience anxiety again. Rather, it means reaching a point where anxiety no longer determines which places they can visit or which activities they can participate in.

How Can Agoraphobia Be Prevented?

There is no way to guarantee complete prevention of agoraphobia. Its development may involve a combination of genetic factors, psychological factors, life experiences, and other anxiety disorders.

However, certain steps may help reduce the likelihood of symptoms developing or becoming more severe, particularly when fear and avoidance are recognized at an early stage.

1. Avoid Making Escape and Avoidance a Permanent Solution

When a person feels anxious in a particular place, it is natural to want to leave. However, repeatedly relying on avoidance may reinforce fear over time.

For example, a person may feel anxious inside a shopping mall, leave quickly, and then experience relief. The brain may indirectly learn that leaving the place was what provided safety, which can increase fear of returning in the future.

Therefore, when it is safe and appropriate to do so, gradually returning to activities and situations may be more helpful than abandoning them completely.

2. Address Panic Attacks Early

Experiencing a panic attack does not mean that a person will necessarily develop agoraphobia. However, persistent fear of having another attack may lead some people to avoid certain places, forms of transportation, or situations.

It is important to pay attention to signs such as:

• Recurrent panic attacks.

• Persistent fear of having another panic attack.

• Avoiding certain places or situations because of fear of having a panic attack.

In such cases, seeking help from a mental health professional early may be beneficial before the pattern of avoidance expands.

3. Understand the Physical Symptoms of Anxiety

Anxiety can cause genuine physical symptoms, including:

• Rapid heartbeat.

• Dizziness.

• Shortness of breath.

• Sweating.

• Trembling.

• A feeling of unreality.

The problem may become worse when a person interprets these symptoms as signs of imminent danger, such as:

“I am going to faint.”
“I am going to lose control.”
“There is something seriously wrong with my heart.”

Understanding the relationship between anxiety and physical symptoms can help reduce fear of these sensations and prevent a cycle in which fear of the symptoms leads to increased anxiety, which then intensifies the symptoms.

4. Maintain Activity and Continue Daily Life

It can be helpful to maintain regular activities and avoid allowing fear to confine life to the home.

This may include:

• Walking and engaging in physical activity.

• Visiting friends and family members.

• Shopping.

• Participating in activities outside the home.

• Using public transportation when necessary.

• Continuing hobbies and social activities.

If a person begins reducing or abandoning these activities because of fear, this may be a sign that deserves attention and early intervention.

5. Face Difficult Situations Gradually

If fear of a particular place or situation begins to develop, it is not necessary to confront the most difficult version of it immediately. A gradual exposure approach can be used, starting with a relatively manageable situation and gradually progressing to more challenging ones.

For example:

Stepping outside the home → walking a short distance → going to a nearby store → going somewhere farther away → being in a crowded place → taking a longer trip.

The goal is not to reach a stage where the person never feels anxious. Instead, the goal is to learn:

“I can feel anxious and remain in the situation without immediately escaping.”

6. Pay Attention to “Safety Behaviors”

Some people may rely on certain behaviors or specific people to feel safe when going outside, such as:

• Leaving the house only with a particular person.

• Always sitting near the door.

• Looking for emergency exits wherever they go.

• Constantly monitoring their heart rate.

• Making sure there is a nearby hospital or medical center.

• Returning home as soon as the first sign of anxiety appears.

This does not mean that all of these behaviors are inherently wrong or dangerous. However, excessive reliance on them may contribute to maintaining fear in some people. These behaviors can therefore be discussed with a mental health professional, who can help reduce reliance on them gradually when appropriate.

7. Prioritize Sleep and Reduce Psychological Stress

Poor sleep and psychological stress may affect anxiety levels in some people. Therefore, it can be helpful to maintain habits that support both mental and physical well-being, such as:

• Maintaining regular sleep and wake times.

• Engaging in regular physical activity.

• Setting aside time for rest and relaxation.

• Reducing sources of psychological stress whenever possible.

• Maintaining a regular and balanced diet.

8. Be Mindful of Caffeine and Stimulants

Large amounts of caffeine, such as those found in some types of coffee and energy drinks, may increase palpitations, trembling, or feelings of tension in some people.

These sensations may be particularly distressing for people who fear panic symptoms. If you notice that caffeine increases your symptoms, gradually reducing your intake may be helpful.

9. Do Not Rely on Alcohol or Sedatives to Manage Fear

Some people may use alcohol or sedative medications before going out in an attempt to reduce anxiety. However, relying on these methods may become a safety behavior or lead to other health-related problems.

If you are taking medication prescribed by a doctor to treat anxiety or agoraphobia, do not stop taking it or change the dose on your own. Any changes to your treatment should be discussed with your treating physician.