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35,847 claims
Sertraline is typically prescribed for agoraphobia and has side effects that may improve over time.
An SSRI called sertraline is usually recommended for people with agoraphobia. Side effects associated with sertraline include: These side effects should improve over time, although some can occasionally persist.
Service · Procedural statement · From Treatment - Agoraphobia, [page]
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) are commonly prescribed for agoraphobia.
If medicine is recommended for you, you'll usually be prescribed a course of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
Service · Policy statement · From Treatment - Agoraphobia, [page]
Applied relaxation therapy teaches individuals to relax their muscles and manage tension in stressful situations.
The aim of applied relaxation is therefore to teach you how to relax. This is achieved using a series of exercises designed to teach you how to: - spot the signs and feelings of tension - relax your muscles to relieve tension
Service · Procedural statement · From Treatment - Agoraphobia, [page]
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) aims to change negative thought patterns and behaviours.
CBT is based on the idea that unhelpful and unrealistic thinking leads to negative behaviour. CBT aims to break this cycle and find new ways of thinking that can help you behave more positively.
Service · Procedural statement
Guided self-help involves working through a CBT-based workbook or computer course with therapist support.
With guided self-help you work through a CBT-based workbook or computer course with the support of a therapist.
Service · Procedural statement · From Treatment - Agoraphobia, [page]
Lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, a healthy diet, and avoiding caffeine can help manage agoraphobia symptoms.
- take regular exercise – exercise can help relieve stress and tension and improve your mood - have a healthy diet – a healthy, balanced diet and weight can help maintain overall health - avoid drinks containing caffeine, such as tea, coffee or cola – caffeine has a stimulant effect and can make your symptoms worse
Service · Procedural statement · From Treatment - Agoraphobia, [page]
Self-help techniques include staying where you are during a panic attack, focusing on non-threatening objects, and breathing slowly.
- Stay where you are – try to resist the urge to run to a place of safety during a panic attack; if you're driving, pull over and park where it's safe to do so. - Focus – it's important for you to focus on something non-threatening and visible, such as the time passing on your watch, or items in a supermarket; remind yourself the frightening thoughts and sensations are a sign of panic and will eventually pass.
Service · Procedural statement · From Treatment - Agoraphobia, [page]
A stepped approach is recommended for treating agoraphobia and panic disorder.
A stepped approach is usually recommended for treating agoraphobia and any underlying panic disorder.
Service · Policy statement · From Treatment - Agoraphobia, [page]
If there is uncertainty about the diagnosis, patients may be referred to a psychiatrist for further assessment.
If there's any doubt about the diagnosis, you may be referred to a psychiatrist for a more detailed assessment.
Service · Procedural statement · From Diagnosis - Agoraphobia, [page]
GPs may conduct a physical examination and blood tests to rule out underlying medical conditions.
Your GP may want to do a physical examination, and in some cases they may decide to carry out blood tests to look for signs of any physical conditions that could be causing your symptoms.
Service · Procedural statement · From Diagnosis - Agoraphobia, [page]
GPs ask patients about their symptoms, frequency, and impact on daily life during the diagnosis process.
Your GP will ask you to describe your symptoms, how often they occur, and in what situations. It's very important to tell your GP about how you've been feeling and how your symptoms are affecting you.
Service · Procedural statement · From Diagnosis - Agoraphobia, [page]
Individuals with suspected agoraphobia can consult their GP either in person or via a telephone consultation.
Speak to your GP if you think you have agoraphobia. If you're unable to visit your GP in person, it should be possible to arrange a telephone consultation.
Service · Policy statement · From Diagnosis - Agoraphobia, [page]
Agoraphobia can develop without a history of panic disorder or attacks.
Occasionally, a person can develop symptoms of agoraphobia even though they don't have a history of panic disorder or panic attacks.
Context · Observational claim · From Causes - Agoraphobia, [page]
The exact cause of panic disorder is not fully understood, but it involves biological and psychological factors.
As with many mental health conditions, the exact cause of panic disorder isn't fully understood. However, most experts think a combination of biological and psychological factors may be involved.
Context · Observational claim · From Causes - Agoraphobia, [page]
Avoidance of situations that trigger anxiety can lead to the development of agoraphobia.
This causes the person to avoid that particular situation or environment.
Context · Observational claim · From Causes - Agoraphobia, [page]
A person may develop agoraphobia after experiencing a panic attack in a specific situation.
Agoraphobia can sometimes develop if a person has a panic attack in a specific situation or environment.
Context · Observational claim · From Causes - Agoraphobia, [page]
Agoraphobia can develop as a complication of panic disorder.
Agoraphobia can develop as a complication of panic disorder.
Context · Observational claim · From Causes - Agoraphobia, [page]
People with skin picking disorder may need to see a dermatologist if their skin is badly damaged or has underlying conditions.
They may also refer you to a skin specialist (dermatologist) if your skin is badly damaged or you have any underlying skin conditions that may be triggering your skin picking, like acne or eczema.
Service · Policy statement · From Skin picking disorder, [page]
Skin picking disorder can be triggered by negative emotions such as guilt and shame.
It can be triggered by: boredom, stress or anxiety, negative emotions, such as guilt or shame
Context · Observational claim · From Skin picking disorder, [page]
Habit reversal training helps individuals recognize triggers and replace skin picking with less harmful behaviors.
Habit reversal training works by helping you: recognise and be more aware of your skin picking and what's triggering it, replace skin picking with a less harmful behaviour
Service · Policy statement · From Skin picking disorder, [page]