Panic disorder with agoraphobia is an anxiety disorder in which there are repeated attacks of intense fear and anxiety, and a fear of being in places where escape might be difficult, or where help might not be available in case of a panic attack.

The exact cause of panic disorder is unknown, but it has to do with many different factors. Panic disorder can occur with or without agoraphobia, but agoraphobia develops in more than a third of cases.

Agoraphobia may be a learned behavior, because it involves a fear of having panic attacks in unprotected settings. Sometimes, panic attacks occur in areas where they have happened in the past.

Panic disorder can occur in children, but it usually starts at around age 25. It can affect middle-aged and older adults as well. Studies have shown that women are 2 to 3 times more likely than men to be affected.

Panic attacks involve short periods of intense symptoms, such as those listed below, which peak within 10 minutes after they start:

• Chest pain or discomfort
• Choking
• Dizziness or faintness
• Fear of being out of control
• Fear of dying
• Fear of "going crazy"
• Hot flushes or chills
• Nausea or other stomach distress
• Numbness or tingling
• Palpitations
• Shortness of breath
• Sweating
• Trembling

Symptoms of agoraphobia include:

• Anxiety about being in places where escape might be difficult
• Avoiding situations with great stress or anxiety about having a panic attack
• Becoming house-bound for long periods
• Fear of being alone
• Fear of losing control in a public place
• Feeling detached or separated from others
• Feeling helpless and dependent on others

If your panic disorder has not been diagnosed, you may feel as if you are dying. Often, people will go to an emergency room or other urgent care center because they think they are having a heart attack.

A physical examination and psychological evaluation can help diagnose this condition.

The symptoms can be physical and the condition can be misdiagnosed. That's why it is important to rule out any medical disorders, such as problems involving the heart, hormones, breathing, nervous system, and substance abuse. These conditions can occur with panic disorders.

Which tests are done depends on the symptoms.

The goal of treatment is to help you function better. The success of treatment usually depends in part how severe the agoraphobia is.

The standard treatment approach combines cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps you understand and change the thoughts that are causing your condition, and an antidepressant medication. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as Paxil, are usually the first choice of antidepressant.

Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), such as venlafaxine (Effexor), are another choice. Other antidepressants and some anti-seizure drugs may be used for severe cases.

Other antianxiety medications may also be prescribed. The health care provider may recommend benzodiazepines when antidepressants don't help.

Behavioral therapies that may be used together with drug therapy include:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy
• Pleasant mental imagery
• Relaxation techniques

Other counseling and therapy techniques may help you gain an understanding of the illness and the factors that protect against or trigger it.

A healthy lifestyle that includes exercise, enough rest, and good nutrition can also help reduce the impact of anxiety.

Most patients can get better with medications or behavioral therapy. However, without early and effective help, the disorder may become more difficult to treat.

• Panic disorder may occur with other anxiety disorders or depression
• You may abuse alcohol or other drugs while trying to self-medicate
• You may be unable to function at work or in social situations
• You may feel isolated or lonely, depressed, or suicidal

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you have symptoms of panic attacks.

If you are likely to get panic attacks, it's important to get help early to prevent agoraphobia, which may affect your ability to work or deal with social situations outside the home.

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