Agoraphobia & Social Anxiety Support Group

Agoraphobia is an anxiety disorder, often precipitated by the fear of having a panic attack in a setting from which there is no easy means of escape. As a result, sufferers of agoraphobia may avoid public and/or unfamiliar places. In severe cases, the sufferer may become confined to their home, experiencing difficulty traveling from this "safe place."

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mas5707 06/13/2009

Ever since I joined DS a couple months ago, I've been wondering if I had this disorder. I've been thinking about getting tested, but I'm not sure how to go about it. I have some questions that hopefully some people can answer.
What are the most common symptoms. How do I get tested: does a doctor interview me or is there some kind of brain scan that can detect it? How do I convince my parents that I may have it (I still live at home and I'm pretty sure I'm still under my parents' insurance) without it being that awkward or embarrassing?
Thanks guys, and hopefully someone out there can help me.
If I think of any more questions, I'll ask them here.

deleted_user 06/14/2009

Well, what are your "symptoms"? I don't have agoraphobia, but I do have an autism spectrum disorder called aspergers. I JUST found out I had it not too long ago, and I am 17. With aspergers, its not that I am afraid to go out or interact with people, its just that I don't know how. I get nervious when I am in places where I don't know anyone. If I don't have someone to be right there with me in public, I get too nervious. I wish I didn't feel this way, but I do. Try looking up stuff about aspergers syndrom online. If you are not sure, this may be one thing to consider. Just a tip. People with aspergers have a hard time socially, but maot people just think they are shy. If none of this sounds like you, then I am rambling on for nothing, but its just a suggestion. If you feel like you don't know how to interact at all, you may have an autism spectrum disorder.

Sorry if this is unhelpful, I just ramble sometimes. Just tryin to help here. :)

deleted_user 06/14/2009

The best place to start is at your doctor's office. Tell your parents that you want to visit the doctor and get a check-up. You don't have to say anything more than that id you don't want to. Once you are at the doctor, any general practitioner can diagnose you by listening to your concerns and asking you the right questions. It is important to get a physical exam, as sometimes there can be other things wrong that might be affecting your mood.
There are no brain scans that they can do to check for psychological disorders, and trying to read symptoms and match them to yourself is not always helpful--doctors have a better sense of the right questions to ask than you do. Get to the doctor's office as soon as you can and let them evaluate your concerns and guide you and your parents with the right form of treatment for your particular problems.

deleted_user 06/14/2009

usually the signs are you CAN'T get out of the house, not don't want to. and WANT to but can't do it even if you try. Those are normally first signs

mas5707 06/15/2009

thanks to everyone who has replied so far.
your info. has given me a better insight

brad74 06/16/2009

the best thing to do is talk to your doctor and they can use a questionair to determine if you have this.

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