A brief summary of the condition, it’s causes,
common symptoms and treatment pathways
and how Medical Cannabis could help.
A brief summary of the condition, it’s causes,
common symptoms, treatment plans
and how Medical Cannabis can help.
Agoraphobia is an anxiety disorder that causes an intense fear of being in situations that might cause panic, or the feeling of being trapped. People with Agoraphobia often fear or avoid crowded or confined spaces, such as shopping centres or public transport, open spaces or just being outside the home alone.
The fear experienced by Agoraphobia sufferers isn’t necessarily fear of the situation itself, but is rather the fear of having a panic attack or severe anxiety and not being able to escape or get help.
The worry can become so severe that people avoid the situations that trigger their Agoraphobia, sometimes to the point where the only place they feel safe is at home.
Agoraphobia affects around 0.5-1% of the UK population in its fully developed form, but it is thought that around 1 in 8 people have some less severe symptoms of Agoraphobia.
The exact cause is unknown but Agoraphobia can develop from other panic disorders. For example, if a person has a panic attack in a specific situation, they then worry about that happening again, so then go out of their way to avoid that particular situation or environment.
Psychological factors that increase your risk of developing Agoraphobia include:
Agoraphobia treatment usually involves psychotherapies. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective treatments for Agoraphobia. It helps individuals identify and challenge the irrational beliefs and thought patterns that fuel the fear and avoidance that agoraphobia is associated with.
Exposure therapy is a type of CBT that involves gradual and systematic exposure to the places or situations that trigger anxiety, allowing the person to confront their fears in safe and controlled way.
Antidepressants, such as SSRIs or tricyclic antidepressants, are frequently used in Agoraphobia.
Short-term use of benzodiazepines can sometimes be prescribed to control acute anxiety or panic attacks.
Many individuals benefit from a combination of CBT (including exposure therapy) and medication, especially in cases of moderate to severe Agoraphobia. Medications can help reduce the intensity of anxiety symptoms, making it easier for individuals to participate in therapy.
There are two primary cannabinoids within medical cannabis that bind with receptors (CB1 and CB2) in the body’s endocannabinoid system, and have different effects on anxiety disorders, including Agoraphobia.
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is a psychoactive compound that induces the “high” associated with cannabis. In some people, this can induce euphoria and a sense of relaxation, whereas in others it can trigger anxiety, paranoia and panic attacks, especially at higher THC doses.
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychoactive compound in cannabis that is being researched for its potential anti-anxiety effects. Studies suggest that CBD could help with anxiety disorders such as Agoraphobia by:
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March 2024
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October 2024
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April 2024
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