Agoraphobia is an intense fear of a place or situation where a person feels that escape might be difficult. Panic...
Tracy L.'s insight:
The great benefit of this article is that it champions therapy for those suffering from agoraphobia. The DSM-5 tells us that without treatment, only about 10% of those suffering from this disorder will experience remission (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Intervention is clearly indicated for this persistent, chronic anxiety disorder.
The results were somewhat confusing for me, and only made slightly clearer by visiting the primary source. For example, when looking at all measures, the percentage of subjects who reported good results at 6 months and also reported good results at 24 months ranged from 69.4-96.4 -- this seems like a very large range but what I gathered from looking at the study was that this was still statistically significant, and considered a strong effect for a disorder so persistent. The range was even larger between the Global Impressions Scale (GIS) and the Mobility Inventory (MI) -- 12.5 % to 73.3% respectively. There was a better effect with respect to the MI when a therapist was present for exposure therapy. The researchers conclude that CBT effectively relieved symptoms and that the effect was maintained at 24 months.
On the one hand, while effects were significant, there is much to be gleaned by reading the study and knowing how to interpret the results. On the other hand, those suffering from agoraphobia will be encouraged even by skimming the headline to seek treatment, which is a good thing. While the prognosis for this disorder varies, and it is considered quite persistent (especially when it occurs comorbidly with certain other disorders) treatment can help those with the affliction to manage it more effectively. I appreciate as well how this particular article cited some basic skill sets and coping mechanisms that can help right away with the more acute, episodic anxiety symptoms.
References:
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing.
