Contact your GP if you think you have agoraphobia.
If you cannot visit your GP, ask for a phone or video appointment.
Your GP will ask you about your symptoms. They may ask how often they happen, and in what situations.
For example, they may ask if you:
- find it stressful to leave the house
- have to avoid certain places or situations
- use any avoidance strategies to help cope with your symptoms - for example, relying on others to shop for you
It can be difficult to talk to someone else about your feelings, emotions and personal life. Try to describe your experiences even if you are anxious or embarrassed.
Your GP is there to help you. They need to know as much as possible about your symptoms. This will help them to make the correct diagnosis. They can then recommend the best treatment.
Diagnosis
A GP or a mental health professional can only diagnose agoraphobia if you:
- feel intense fear or anxiety in at least 2 situations where it may be difficult to escape or get help - for example, open space, enclosed space, or being away from home
- avoid being in the situation, or only endure it with extreme anxiety or the help of a companion
- have no other health problem that may explain your symptoms
Your GP may decide to refer you onto a specialist mental health professional for further assessment, if needed.
Physical examination
Your GP may want to do a physical examination. In some cases, they may decide to carry out blood tests. This is to look for signs of any physical difficulties that could be causing or contributing to your symptoms.
They may check if you have an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism). This can cause symptoms similar to a panic attack.
Your GP will need to rule out other health conditions to be able to make the correct diagnosis.
Content supplied by the NHS and adapted for Ireland by the HSE