| ENCYCLOPEDIA INDEX |
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Injury Disease Nutrition Poison Symptoms Surgery Test |
| A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z |
Agoraphobia |
| Overview Symptoms Treatment Prevention |
| Treatment: |
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The goal of treatment is to help the phobic person function effectively. The success of treatment usually depends upon the severity of the phobia. Systematic desensitization is a technique used to treat phobias. The person is asked to relax, then imagine the things that cause the anxiety, working from the least fearful to the most fearful. Graded real-life exposure has also been used with success to help people overcome their fears. Antianxiety and antidepressive medications are often used to help relieve the symptoms associated with phobias. |
| Expectations (prognosis): |
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Phobias tend to be chronic but respond well to treatment. |
| Complications: |
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Some phobias may have consequences that affect job performance or social functioning. |
| Calling your health care provider: |
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Call for an appointment with your health care provider if symptoms suggestive of agoraphobia develop. |
Panic disorder with agoraphobia |
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