Self help techniques. One way to control your emotional reaction to fear and panic when in a confined place or in public is to increase your exposure to these situations and learn how to control your symptoms. Learn deep breathing exercises to calm yourself. Try creative visualization in order to resist the urge of thinking negative thoughts. It is best not to fight a panic attack but focus on how to relax. Most individuals with agoraphobia lose their ability to relax and there is a necessity to learn various relaxation techniques.
Lifestyle changes. It is best to avoid drinking caffeinated beverages as they have stimulant effect that could induce more panic attacks and anxiety episodes. Drug and alcohol intake can also worsen your symptoms. Eating a healthy and balanced diet will also help you avoid foods that can aggravate your anxiety. Getting a lot of exercise will also help reduce stress and improve your mood.
Cognitive behavioral therapy. This form of agoraphobia treatment encourages positive behavior towards panic attacks and anxiety. The process helps break the cycle of fear and panic attacks through behavioral changes that bring more positive moods and behavior. Cognitive behavioral therapy is usually carried out by a professional who sets a goal for every session and is usually conducted with exposure therapy.
Medication treatment. In some severe cases medication is required to be able to manage panic and anxiety attacks. Medication intervention is usually recommended in conjunction with cognitive behavioral therapy and relaxation techniques. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are commonly prescribed which is also used to treat depression and mood disorders. Sertraline is the most common type of SSRI prescribed as pharmaceutical agoraphobia treatment. Pregabalin and benzodiazepines are other drugs of choice for the treatment of agoraphobia.
