Phobia of leaving the house
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Understanding the Phobia of Leaving the House: Agoraphobia and Related Conditions
Agoraphobia: Definition and Characteristics
Agoraphobia is a complex phobia characterized by an intense fear of leaving familiar or secure surroundings, often manifesting as anxiety about being in places or situations where escape might be difficult or help unavailable. This condition was first described by Westphal in 1871 and typically involves fears of public places such as streets, squares, shops, and crowds1. The core issue in agoraphobia is often separation anxiety, where individuals fear being alone or away from their safe environment1.
Separation Anxiety and Its Manifestations
Separation anxiety is a significant component of agoraphobia, but it also manifests in other forms, such as work and school phobias. These conditions are not classical phobias but are rooted in the anxiety associated with leaving home to go to work or school. Work phobia, for instance, is often seen in adults who experienced school phobia as children. Effective treatment for these conditions often involves family therapy, focusing on helping family members support the individual's need to separate and function independently2.
Classification of Phobias in ICD-11
The ICD-11 classifies phobias into three main categories: specific phobias, social phobia, and agoraphobia. Specific phobias involve fear of particular objects or situations, such as animals or heights. Social phobia is characterized by fear of social situations. Agoraphobia, on the other hand, is defined by the fear of leaving home or being in situations where escape might be difficult, such as public places or transportation3. This classification helps in understanding the distinct nature of agoraphobia compared to other phobias.
Nomophobia: A Modern Twist on Agoraphobia
A related but distinct condition is nomophobia, the fear of leaving the house without a mobile phone. This modern phobia affects various aspects of life, including social, work, and academic relationships, due to a dependence on smartphones. Studies have shown significant levels of nomophobia among nursing students in Spain and Portugal, with higher anxiety levels observed in Portuguese students when they are out of mobile contact4. This condition highlights how modern technology can influence traditional phobias and anxiety disorders.
Conclusion
Agoraphobia and related conditions such as work and school phobias, as well as nomophobia, illustrate the complex nature of anxiety disorders related to leaving the house. Understanding these conditions involves recognizing the underlying separation anxiety and the impact of modern technology on these fears. Effective treatment often requires a combination of therapeutic approaches, including family support and addressing the specific nature of the phobia.
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SELF‐HELP GROUPS FOR AGORAPHOBIA
Agoraphobia is a complex disorder characterized by fear of public places, loneliness, and separation anxiety, with various clinical presentations and phobia clusters.
Work and School Phobias: A Family Approach to Treatment
Work phobia, the adult form of school phobia, responds better to crisis family therapy than long-term individual therapy, with a wife or mother firmly allowing the man to separate.
Specific and social phobias in ICD-11
Specific and social phobias in the ICD-11 should be reclassified as complex phobias, focusing on their specificity and social context.
Comparative study of nomophobia among Spanish and Portuguese nursing students.
Nomophobia is more prevalent among Portuguese nursing students than Spanish students, affecting their social, work, and academic relationships.
Observational Study
Highly CitedGender differences in phobias: Results of the ECA community survey
Women have higher prevalence rates of agoraphobia and simple phobia, while no gender differences were found for social phobia, with the most common phobias being spiders, bugs, mice and snakes, and heights.
Observational StudyHighly CitedAnxiety: New Research and Changing Concepts
Anxiety research is a complex and diverse field, with many different approaches and approaches to anxiety treatment.
THE OUTCOME OF SCHOOL PHOBIA: A FOLLOW-UP STUDY BASED ON 41 CASES
School phobia is a variant of separation anxiety, and a treatment program centered on prompt return to school is effective, with success varying inversely with age and severity of psychopathology.
Case ReportHighly CitedMeta‐analysis of functional brain imaging in specific phobia
Specific phobia patients show increased brain activation in certain regions, and cognitive behavioral therapy may help reduce this activation through the same underlying neurocircuitry.
Meta-AnalysisHighly CitedLeaving home or still in the nest? Parent-child relationships and psychological health as predictors of different leaving home patterns.
In-time leaving home is associated with better attachment, higher autonomy, and better psychological health in young adults, while non-normative leaving home patterns may lead to insecure attachment and lower romantic involvement.
Observational StudyHighly Cited