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The Association of Panic Disorder with Agoraphobia

The Association of Panic Disorder with Agoraphobia

Blog Outline

Panic disorder with agoraphobia does exist as agoraphobia and panic disorder are associated disorders but are classified as different conditions and come under different banners of psychiatry. We are here to discuss the association between the two, and the related Panic disorder with Agoraphobia therapies in the words below:

Defining Panic Disorder

When you sometimes have sudden attacks of anxiety and overwhelming fear that last for several minutes, your heart pounds, you sweat, and you feel like you can’t breathe or think clearly, then it usually substantiates the development of Panic disorder with Agoraphobia along the ride.

People diagnosed with panic disorder frequently have unexpected and sudden panic attacks, which can be debilitating to their everyday lives. Most people tend to have anxiety and most of us go through a panic attack at some point in our lives. But when these panic attacks start to get out of hand and become irrational, then they probably develop into a panic disorder. It is predominantly characterized by sudden waves of fear or a sense of losing control and discomfort while there is no presence of immediate danger and associated triggers.

Read More: Can Anxiety Cause Dizziness? A Complete Understanding Of The Link

The panic causes extreme stress and anxiety and these are so heightened during a panic disorder that the symptoms that affected individuals feel that they are going through a heart attack due to symptoms like trembling, tingling, or rapid heart rate. These recurrent and persistent symptoms lead to the fear and anxiety of having another panic attack and often develop into a full-blown panic disorder. Usually, a panic attack consists of these symptoms in addition to the ones that mimic a heart attack:

  • Shortness of breath
  • Feeling that you are choking
  • Hot flushes and chest pain
  • Wooziness and feeling like you are about to faint
  • Nausea (feeling like you are about to vomit)

When these symptoms become a recurring matter, that means you are probably suffering from recurrent episodes of panic attacks, affected individuals will also go through the following:

  • Frequent and unexpected panic attacks obviously
  • Excessive worry about having another panic attack, even if it happened a month ago
  • Being afraid of the consequences or symptoms of panic attacks, including but not limited to losing control, having a heart attack, or acting like a crazy person.

But the question is, how does Panic disorder and Agoraphobia go hand in hand with each other and how can it induce a panic attack with agoraphobia? This is exactly what we will discuss in the next section and the follow-up ones!

Defining Agoraphobia

Agoraphobia, as the name suggests, is a type of anxiety disorder, that is characterized by feelings of fear and avoidance behavior that relate to panic about getting or being trapped or helpless in places and situations that are extremely enclosed or extremely open, which are predominantly public places such as a subway station.

In agoraphobia too, anxiety and stress are heightened so much that affected individuals feel that they have no way out of a certain place or situation and they can’t even get help for it. These affected individuals might fear that they might get lost, or they might be scared of having diarrhea without an outlet such as a bathroom for example. It is interesting to note that agoraphobia differs from a specific phobia in terms of feared consequences as situations in it are feared for anxiety or panic responses alone and not for other reasons.

Additionally, affected individuals will feel symptoms such as the ones mentioned above once they are under the influence of Agoraphobia with panic disorder, especially when they are stuck in:

  • in an enclosed space, such as a theatre, a meeting room, or a small shop
  • in an open space, like a concert arena, something like a car park, or a large shopping mall
  • A public transport vehicle such as a bus, train, or plane
  • A home-alone situation.

Read More: Is Panic Disorder a Disability?

What is Panic Disorder with Agoraphobia?

Coming back to the point of the subject matter in relation to Panic disorder with Agoraphobia, we should be asking what’s the association between Panic disorder and Agoraphobia. The thing is that Agoraphobia develops after affected individuals have had one or more panic attacks (although it is necessary for that to happen as people can develop agoraphobia without the presence of panic attacks), causing them to worry about having another attack. They then avoid the places where it may happen again. These pervasive and persistent panic attacks can transform into panic disorder, especially if they are left untreated. Hopefully, this answers the question, “How are agoraphobia and panic disorder related?”.

Causes of Panic Disorder with Agoraphobia

The causes of panic disorder with Agoraphobia can be described as a combination of different variables coming into motion at the same time and triggering panic disorder with agoraphobia. Both of these may come into motion due to:

  • There is a running history of anxiety disorders, mood disorders such as bipolar disorder or depressive illness in the family, signifying a genetic component to the onset of panic disorder with agoraphobia symptoms
  • Extremely negative experiences in life, which often stem from situations such as something like childhood abuse, getting laid off, or bereavement, all of which probably have led to recurrent and debilitating panic attacks in the past
  • Physiological conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or irritable bowel syndrome, which are often associated with Panic disorder with Agoraphobia

Treatment for Panic Disorder with Agoraphobia

Prompt treatment is exceptionally compulsory when it comes to Panic disorder and Agoraphobia co-occurring. Treatment is extremely helpful in reducing recurring panic attacks and the persistent symptoms of agoraphobia as methods relating to it can be seen as a good start to the instructions on how to stop agoraphobia panic attacks. There is no best treatment for agoraphobia or panic disorder, but more like which one will be suitable when they are needed.

Read More: Generalized anxiety vs panic disorder: A Closer Look

Psychotherapies (also called “talk” therapies due to their nature of one-to-one sessions) are a good start. The most suitable of these is the one called cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT is adept at helping affected individuals look into their problematic behavior that can stem from negative cognitive processes that are impaired by mental health issues such as agoraphobia with panic disorder. CBT is a short-term and goal-oriented psychotherapy that will help affected individuals learn about what triggers their symptoms, how they can cope with their symptoms, and how they can change unwanted behaviors.

Medication is also a great complement to, and enhancer of psychotherapy, especially in the shape of medication management (which is a monitored version of medication by experts). Treatment for Panic disorder with Agoraphobia can include either antidepressants such as Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) and Serotonin Modulators like

Citalopram (Celexa), or anti-anxiety medication like Benzodiazepines, all of which are available with a prescription.

Lifestyle changes such as the usage of relaxation techniques or mindfulness and acceptance practices. Regular exercise, having a balanced diet, and keeping in touch with supportive family members and friends can greatly reduce the persistent symptoms of Panic disorder with Agoraphobia. Hopefully, this section was a good answer, if you were asking about treatment for agoraphobia or panic disorder.

Read More: Beyond the Basics: Unfolding the Mystery of Specific Phobia

Wrapping Up!

Panic disorder and Agoraphobia should not be taken lightly as both are separately classified mental conditions. Therefore, these should be treated swiftly. For that, you can book an appointment at Orange Coast Psychiatry because it serves the Orange Coast and surrounding areas and includes flexible options such as telehealth psychiatry to treat something like panic disorder or something else such as social anxiety disorder. What are you waiting for? Book an appointment today!

Frequently Asked Questions

If your agoraphobia is severe, you may not even be able to leave your home, work, or maintain relationships properly. 

If left untreated, agoraphobia can last for years, or may even transform into something much worse, such as a panic disorder.

Kim Bassinger, Macaulay Culkin, and Prince Harry are some of the famous personalities who are known for having agoraphobia. 

Reference and Footnotes
  1. Panic Disorder: When Fear Overwhelms. (n.d.). National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/panic-disorder-when-fear-overwhelms
  2. Niv, N., Williams, Zucker. B., & Reist, C. (2016). What Are Panic Disorder and Agoraphobia? Basic Facts, Symptoms, Families and Treatments Mental Illness Research, Education And Clinical Center.
  3. Department of Health & Human Services. (n.d.). Panic Disorder and Agoraphobia. Better Health Channel. https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/panic-disorder-and-agoraphobia

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The Association of Panic Disorder with Agoraphobia

Panic disorder with agoraphobia does exist as agoraphobia and panic disorder are associated disorders but are classified as different conditions and come under different banners of psychiatry. We are here to discuss the association between the two, and the related Panic disorder with Agoraphobia therapies in the words below: Defining

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May Faustino

Board-Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

May Faustino, PMHNP-BC, is a compassionate and highly skilled psychiatric provider with over four years of nursing experience, including three years specializing in psychiatric care. She holds a Master of Science in Nursing from West Coast University, where she received extensive training in managing the psychiatric needs of pediatric, adult, and geriatric populations, as well as providing therapy and counseling services.
May has worked in diverse mental health settings, including forensic psychiatry at the Department of State Hospitals and behavioral health services at Aliso Ridge Behavioral Health. Her clinical expertise spans psychiatric assessments, medication management, and trauma-informed care, with a strong focus on treating anxiety, depression, and trauma-related disorders.
Bilingual in English and Tagalog, May is dedicated to serving diverse patient populations with a culturally sensitive approach. She is trained in evidence-based therapeutic modalities such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and motivational interviewing and is well-versed in trauma-informed care and suicide prevention strategies.
May is passionate about promoting resilience and recovery through preventive mental health care and individualized, holistic treatment plans. Her commitment to excellence is reflected in her memberships in the American Psychiatric Nurses Association and Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing.
In her personal time, May enjoys fostering mindfulness and well-being through activities she loves, such as spending time with her husband and their two beloved cats, Pippy and Eva.

Dr. Montgomery

M.D. – Psychiatrist

Dr. Torri Montgomery, M.D., is a board-certified psychiatrist with the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, with a subspecialty board certification in forensic psychiatry. Dr. Montgomery is an integral part of our Management Team as a Psychiatrist and Supervising Psychiatrist for our Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners here at Orange Coast psychiatry.
Dr. Montgomery earned her Bachelor of Science (Magna Cum Laude) from Arizona State University and her Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) from The University of Arizona, College of Medicine. She completed her psychiatry residency at Los Angeles County Harbor-UCLA Medical Center. During her psychiatry residency, Dr. Montgomery completed a year-long certification in Electro-Convulsive Therapy (ECT), earned a certificate from the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) to prescribe medication for the treatment of substance use disorders, and worked in a Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) clinic for substance use disorders. Additionally, she was appointed Chief Resident and received an Excellence in Teaching award.
After psychiatry residency, she completed her Forensic Psychiatry Fellowship at the University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine. After completing her fellowship, Dr. Montgomery has worked in public psychiatry for the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services. She teaches, consults, and treats individuals with depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, trauma-related disorders, and serious mental illness (SMI), such as schizophrenia spectrum and bipolar disorders. Her experience includes outpatient, inpatient, emergency, consult liaison, addiction, dual-diagnosis, and forensic psychiatry. She is an expert evaluator on the Superior Court of California Panel of Expert Psychiatrists and Psychologists. Dr. Montgomery is an attending physician for the Harbor-UCLA Department of Psychiatry and serves as a psychiatrist with Orange Coast psychiatry.

Dr. Ravi

M.D. – Psychiatrist

Dr. Dave Ravi, M.D., is a Board Certified Psychiatrist with additional qualifications in geriatric psychiatry. Dr. Ravi is an integral part of our Management Team as a Psychiatrist and Supervising Psychiatrist for our Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners here at Orange Coast psychiatry.
Dr. Ravi graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University (B.S., Magna Cum Laude), VCU School of Medicine (M.D.), Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center (Residency in Psychiatry), and John. A. Burns School of Medicine (Fellowship in Geriatric Psychiatry). He currently is a clinical assistant professor of psychiatry at John A. Burns School of Medicine in Honolulu, HI and serves as a psychiatrist with Orange Coast psychiatry.
Dr. Ravi is a dedicated community psychiatrist with extensive experience in public, correctional, inpatient and outpatient settings, and an experienced tele-psychiatrist. He consults on topics in general psychiatry, including quality improvement, treatment planning, and crisis management, and in correctional psychiatry, including recovery-oriented treatment for individuals with serious mental illness and dual diagnosis. His current and future interests focus on understanding the various approaches in managing the suffering and disturbance of complex psychiatric disorders, particularly in the use, misuse, overuse, and misrepresentation of psychotropic medications.

Dr. Irwin

M.D. , Ph.D – Psychiatrist

Dr. Scott Irwin, M.D., Ph.D., is Board Certified Psychiatrist. Dr. Irwin is an integral part of our Management Team as a Psychiatrist and Supervising Psychiatrist for our Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners here at Orange Coast psychiatry.
His career mostly focuses on improving outcomes for those with cancer or other progressive, potentially life-limiting illnesses, and their families, through leading-edge clinical services, ongoing research, as well as program development, improvement, and implementation.
He is widely published, has been recognized at many levels for his research, teaching, consulting, and clinical endeavors, and has received research funding from the NCI, NIMH, the National Palliative Care Research Center, the Archstone Foundation, and industry.
Dr. Irwin earned his Bachelor of Science from the University of California, Los Angeles, and both his MD and PhD (neuroscience) at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. He successfully completed his psychiatry residency at UC San Diego as chief resident of Outpatient Psychiatric Services, as well as a two-year elective in hospice and palliative care at San Diego Hospice and The Institute for Palliative Medicine. He is a diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, with subspecialty certification in psychosomatic medicine.

Richard Samedra.

Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner-BC

Richard Samedra, PMHNP-BC, is a Board Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. He brings over 12 years of experience in the mental health field, working with clients facing a wide range of acute and chronic mental health conditions. His journey began as a Licensed Vocational Nurse and Charge Nurse at Westminster Therapeutic Residential Treatment, where he supported clients dealing with anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and substance use disorders. Richard’s dedication was centered on helping these individuals improve their mental health and transition to a lower level of care, whether that meant returning to their families, a board and care facility, or a sober-living environment.
Motivated by a growing passion for mental health care, Richard pursued his Registered Nurse (RN) education at Saddleback Community College and later transitioned to La Palma Intercommunity Hospital Behavioral Health. In this role, he specialized in geriatric psychiatry, working with older adults experiencing conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, dementia, depression, and anxiety. This experience solidified his commitment to mental health, leading him to work at Bellflower Community Hospital, where he provided care for patients experiencing severe psychiatric crises, including suicidal ideation, manic and depressive episodes, substance use disorders, and exacerbated schizophrenia symptoms.
Inspired by the impactful work of PMHNPs at Bellflower, Richard enrolled in the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program at Azusa Pacific University. To broaden his expertise, he worked full-time at College Hospital Costa Mesa while completing his studies. There, he gained comprehensive experience across various units, including adolescent, acute men’s and women’s, stabilization, and detox/med-surg. Now, as a PMHNP, Richard is committed to leveraging his diverse background and knowledge to provide compassionate, comprehensive care to those in need.
Richard currently practices as a Nurse Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Orange Coast Psychiatry, where he is supervised by Dr. Montgomery.

Shaheena Gazipura

Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner-BC

Shaheena Gazipura is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with over 9 years of dedicated experience in both inpatient and outpatient mental health care. She earned her Master of Science in Nursing from Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona, California.
Shaheena began her career working on an adult psychiatric inpatient unit before transitioning to the geriatric psychiatric inpatient unit at USC Verdugo Hills Hospital. In addition to her clinical work, Shaheena also serves as a Nursing Clinical Instructor, guiding the next generation of nurses through their mental health rotations at a large community college.
Shaheena is a passionate advocate for mental health, believing that it is a fundamental pillar of overall well-being. She is committed to reducing the stigma surrounding mental illness and strives to provide comprehensive, compassionate care that honors each individual’s unique experiences and challenges. Her goal is to create a supportive, nonjudgmental environment where patients feel empowered to work alongside her in achieving their mental health goals.
Outside of her professional life, Shaheena enjoys exploring new culinary experiences, staying active through exercise, and planning her next travel adventures.
Shaheena currently practices as a Nurse Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Orange Coast Psychiatry, where she is supervised by Dr. Barrios.

Clint Nacar

Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner -BC

Clint Nacar, PMHNP-BC is a Board Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Mr. Nacar graduated from Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science. Currently Mr. Nacar works in an inpatient psychiatry unit at a leading academic medical center in Los Angeles, Renewed Mental Health Group, and Orange Coast Psychiatry
Mr. Nacar brings over 7+ years of experience with the mental health population. He works to help patients take control of their mental health through patient education, psychotherapy and medication management. Mr. Nacar’s areas of focus include: Depression, Anxiety, Adjustment Disorder, Bipolar disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Mr. Nacar treats children ages 6+, adolescents, and adults, offering both in-person services and telehealth at Renewed Mental Health Group.
With the collaboration of each patient, Mr. Nacar strives to develop individualized plans of care addressing each patient’s unique situation and concerns. He also encourages each patient to take charge of their mental health through a holistic approach while also employing the latest evidence based practices in treatment.

Clint is one of our most experienced Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners at Orange Coast Psychiatry and is 103NP Licensed in the State of California.

Cristian Cuevas

Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner-BC (Fluent in Spanish)

Cristian Cuevas, PMHNP-BC, is a highly skilled board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with over seven years of experience in inpatient psychiatry and mental health.
A California State University Long Beach graduate, Cristian also earned recognition as a board-certified psychiatric mental health registered nurse. With a wealth of expertise in adult psychiatric care across the lifespan, Cristian has successfully diagnosed and treated a diverse range of mental health disorders.
Additionally, his specialized experience in child and adolescent inpatient populations further enhances his ability to provide comprehensive and compassionate mental health care.
Cristian Cuevas is the Lead Nurse Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Orange Coast Psychiatry and is supervised by Dr Barrios.

Griselda Hernandez

Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner-BC (Fluent in Spanish)

As a licensed Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) with a robust background in psychiatric and substance abuse nursing, Griselda provides compassionate, evidence-based care to individuals facing mental health and addiction challenges. The core of her practice focuses on promoting holistic wellness, fostering resilience, and empowering patients in their recovery journey. Specializing in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of adolescents with various mental health disorders, Griselda strives to create a therapeutic environment where patients feel valued, respected, and supported.

“My approach is grounded in years of diverse experience, including work in psychiatric units and medical detox units for both adults and adolescents. This extensive background has equipped me with the skills and knowledge to manage complex psychiatric and substance abuse conditions effectively. I am committed to staying updated with the latest advancements in psychiatric care, integrating cutting-edge therapies and best practices into my treatment plans. Collaboration is key to my practice; I work closely with multidisciplinary teams, families, and community resources to provide coordinated and comprehensive care tailored to each individual’s unique needs.”

Griselda holds a Master of Science in Nursing with a specialization in Psychiatric-Mental Health from West Coast University, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa. Additionally, she is fluent in the English and Spanish language, enhancing her ability to connect with a diverse patient population.

Griselda currently practices as a Nurse Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Orange Coast Psychiatry, where she is supervised by Dr. Barrios.

Dr Barrios

Board-Certified Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist

Dr. Carlos Barrios is a Board-Certified Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist with over two decades of experience in mental health care. His expertise in telepsychiatry has allowed him to serve patients across California and beyond. In his practice, Dr Barrios integrates metabolic and functional methodologies, focusing on guiding patients toward medication independence and emphasizing the connection between physical and mental health.
Outside of his professional life, Dr Barrios is passionate about kettlebell training, which helps him maintain my physical and mental wellness. He cherishes visiting his family in Guatemala, to reconnecting with his cultural roots and rejuvenating his spirit. Dr Barrios is also deeply involved in transcendental meditation and rucking, practices that not only provide him with tranquility but also keep him grounded and connected to nature. These hobbies reflect his commitment to a holistic approach to health, both personally and professionally.