Managing Agoraphobia

Written By Behaviour Matters

Agoraphobia Treatment and Therapy in Toronto

What is Agoraphobia?

Agoraphobia is an anxiety disorder in which an individual experiences anxiety about places or situations where they cannot easily escape or get help without being humiliated. They avoid situations out of fear of having a panic attack or panic-like feelings. Fortunately, there are many effective virtual and in-person treatments and therapies in Toronto that can help children reduce their anxiety symptoms.

Types of situations individuals may avoid:

  • Using public transportation

  • Being in open spaces (i.e. parking lots, malls)

  • Being in enclosed spaces (i.e. stores, movie theaters)

  • Standing in line or being in a large crowed

  • Being alone outside the house

What are Common Symptoms of Agoraphobia?

Children with agoraphobia may show the following symptoms:

  • Physical symptoms:

    • Increased heart rate, rapid breathing

    • Nausea, upset stomach

    • Chest pain

    • Dizziness, lightheadedness

    • Ringing in the ears

    • Chest pain

  • Avoidance of situations resulting in a reluctance to leave their house

  • Use excuses such as feeling sick, or skipping school, or throwing a tantrum to avoid leaving their house

  • Fear experienced is out of proportion to the situation

  • Extreme dread and discomfort when entering a situation

  • Fear of having a panic attack in front of others and being humiliated

  • Fear that they are losing their sanity

  • Fear of others judging them

  • Feeling that they cannot function or survive without the help of others

How to Support Children with Agoraphobia?

  • For social skills:

    • Use role-playing or videos to teach problem-solving skills

  • For emotional regulation:

    • Teach the child self-regulation strategies to use when they feel overwhelmed (i.e. deep breathing, muscle relaxation)

    • Teach the child mindfulness activities to help center their attention (i.e. mindful breathing, body scans)

    • Allow the child to have a self-calming object or pictures

    • Have a buddy system so that the child does not have to be alone

Agoraphobia Support for Families

For individuals and families in Toronto struggling with agoraphobia, there are a variety of in-person and virtual treatments that may be beneficial, including:

  • Child anxiety programs and groups

  • Cognitive behavioural therapy

  • Social skills training

  • Emotional regulation training

  • Exposure therapy

  • Family therapy

  • Parent anxiety programs and groups

  • Online anxiety programs

Behaviour Matters
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