Agoraphobia in Everyday Life

This book is based on a study of 100 people with agoraphobia. The study explores the onset, unmanaged and managed stages of agora-phobia in their lives. The book is written for both health professionals and, with the inclusion of a large number of research participants quotes, for the interested reader. The study investigates the family up-bringing and traumatic events that contributed to the onset of agora-phobia. Also, the author reveals the social impact of panic attacks and avoidance behaviours on research participants primary, secondary and tertiary education. In addition, the work investigates the social impact of mental illness on peoples employment, social interactions, travelling and everyday life in public places; also, the impact of agora-phobia on marriage and parenting experiences. Finally the author explores the role of religious experience, personal coping strategies, medications, alcohol, health professionals and Cognitive Behavioural Treatment programmes, support group involvement, and internet usage in the management of agoraphobia. These and other themes will fully inform the reader on the socially disabling nature of this mental illness.