Grugger’s Way

Agoraphobia, the fear of being out in public, away from familiar surroundings, or in situations where we feel a lack of control over our environment, is about the only phobia that develops for first time during elderly years, other phobias noted amongst the elderly have normally developed long before reaching “elder” status.   

Treatment for agoraphobia can be problem, not because older folks are not willing to be treated, but because of medical complications with the most common treatment, Selective Seretonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI) and how they interact with other medications commonly taken in one’s later years as antiarrhythmics (like Rythmol and Tambocor), beta blockers (like Toprol and Inderal) or antipsychotics and other antidepressants.  SSRI’s can also impair liver function.  Additionally, there is a long list of general side effects, some of which many of us would think are worse than the agoraphobia.

Diagnosing agoraphobia amongst the elderly can be difficult because they sometimes take medications that can cause the same behavior or suffer from any number of physical problems that might appear to have the same symptoms.

Another problem is cost.  There are many of us in our later years who just can’t afford counseling and other treatments for agoraphobia, which can be exacerbated by adult offspring who often feel the condition is just a normal part of aging and therefore doesn’t require, or merit, treatment at great cost.

It is also important to remember that legitimate fears are not phobias, e.g., fear of falling and not being able to get up or to obtain help is a legitimate fear that could limit a person’s willingness to be outside of the protected confines of the personal home.

While agoraphobia in younger people is often associated with panic attacks, and the fear of having a panic attack in a public place, when agoraphobia develops in older people it frequently develops out of other fears that get out of control.  Older people realize that their reflexes are slower, their hearing and vision are reduced, and their bones are more brittle.  Taking normal precautions is a proper reaction to the fear of having accidents. When things get out of control and a person becomes nearly immobile, or confined to the home, means that normal fears may have progressed beyond the point of control.

The only way to properly diagnose and treat agoraphobia is to consult with a mental health professional.  Never take a drug that is helping someone else. Everyone’s needs and physiological makeup are unique.

One other note:  Although agoraphobia is more common among women than men, no purely scientific evidence has emerged to explain the difference.  Social and cultural behavioral differences and expectations between the genders have been offered as possible reasons.  

PLEASE NOTE:  THIS BLOG OFFERS THE OPINIONS OF THE AUTHOR ONLY AND DOES NOT PROVIDE PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE.  ALWAYS SEEK COMPETENT MEDICAL ASSISTANCE FOR ANY AFFLICTION.

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