Talk to Psychiatry on Agoraphobia
Asking for Father, Male, 50 years old, DHA Rahbar phase 11
AOA Doctor, my father has panic attacks when he goes away from home, especially in traffic or unfamiliar routes. This has been going on for about 30 years, and he avoids travel completely. Does this sound like panic disorder with agoraphobia?
Dr. Iqra Ain Ali - Psychiatrist
MBBS, FCPS Psychiatry | Faisalabad
might be....take him for evaluation from a psychiatrist
It is very common for people to confuse generalized anxiety with specific phobias, but based on your description, yes, this aligns closely with the clinical definition of Panic Disorder with Agoraphobia.
Since your father has been dealing with this for 30 years, it has likely become a deeply ingrained "safety cycle" where the brain associates the outside world with danger.
Why it fits Agoraphobia
Agoraphobia is not just a "fear of open spaces." It is specifically the fear of being in situations where escape might be difficult or help might not be available if a panic attack occurs. Common triggers include:
Traffic: Feeling "trapped" in a car with no immediate exit.
Unfamiliar Routes: The loss of a "safe path" back to the home base.
Distance from Home: Home is viewed as the only 100% safe zone.
Next Steps for Your Father
Because this has persisted for three decades, professional intervention is necessary to break the avoidance habit.
Consult a Psychiatrist: They can evaluate if medication (like SSRIs) could help lower his "baseline" anxiety so he is more open to therapy.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This is the gold standard for agoraphobia. It uses Exposure Therapy, which involves very small, gradual steps to prove to the brain that the "danger" isn't real.
Medical Check-up: At age 50, it is always wise to rule out any underlying physical issues (like inner ear problems or heart palpitations) that might be mimicking or triggering panic sensations.
It need more information to establish diagnosis. The diagnosis is usually fixed on first symptoms have started, the second one placed as associated symptoms ot illness. Both have approximately the same treatment. Recommended you to consult a well experienced psychiatrist for online or physical psychiatric consultation available in your town for physical or national wise for online. Earlier treatment best outcome.
Rizwan Ali Khan - Clinical Psychologist
| MSc (Psychology) | MS (Clinical Psychology) | Certified (Crucial Conversations) | | Lahore
36 Positive Reviews
visit me at Ali Clinic Lahore immediately
Benazir - Clinical Psychologist
BS. Applied Psychology, MS. Psychology | Rawalpindi
4 Positive Reviews
Dera thank you sharing ur problem, this is agoraphobia.
it's treatable
with complete assessment.
walikam asalam, what was the triggering factor and what are body symptoms, is it increase in heart rate due to the traffic or something else? there are a lot questions which need answers with detailed history and Pt might need to be assessed if history is pointing to some organic issue
can be treated with medicines get appointment tent for detailed advice
Prof. Homeopathic Dr. Syed Atta E Rasool Bokhari - Homeopath
DHMS, RHMP | Lahore
101 Positive Reviews
WOS Patient, This will never ever be treated till you find any best doctor.
You have to diagnose the root cause underlying issue if you want to fix this issue within month.
I know many people who had this problem.
There wasn't any big issue.
They recover when we manage their destabilise state.
In some patients This happens due to side effects of medicines due to drug toxicity. Common public haven't this awareness.
It's up to his destiny too where he will go for treatment.
My online consultation fee for patients convenience is 100 Rs only I hope this will not be burden on your budget.
Asalam o Alaikum this is Malaika Tariq clinical psychologist
Book appointment for tomorrow consultation
Farhana Shams - Clinical Psychologist
BS.Hons (Psychology), Post Graduate Diploma (Clinical Psychologist), M.Phil (Applied Psychology) | Mansehra
108 Positive Reviews
Consult a clinical psychologist for assessment and therapy, need detailed history. you can also book an appointment with me.
thank you
Aneeqa Amin - Clinical Psychologist
BS Applied Psychology, MS Clinical Psychology, PGD Speech and Language Pathology | Lahore
38 Positive Reviews
Based on what you’ve shared this strongly suggests agoraphobia with panic attacks.
A proper assessment is important to confirm the diagnosis, and the reassuring part is that even long-standing symptoms can improve with the right treatment (therapy and, if needed, medication).
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