Types of Agoraphobia
The following evaluations are strictly my own and arrived at by simple observation. They are just my uneducated opinions about a condition I know a little something about.
Type A
This agoraphobic is not only housebound but room bound. That room is usually the bedroom and they will only venture out for an emergency or medical need. Obviously this person will have a caregiver that provides meals and necessities. Medications here will run the gamut of psychological ailments, and most likely in high doses.
Type B
This is an agoraphobic that is 80-90% housebound and will only venture out with the aid of their “safe person”. Even then, the destinations are limited to safe places usually close to home such as doctor, grocery or drugstore. The medications in this case are usually a benzodiazepine and an anti-depressant and a self-medication, like alcohol, is a strong likelihood.
Type C
In this case the agoraphobic may live entirely on his/her own but still remains 80-90% housebound. Probably lives within a 5-mile safe zone and still drives an automobile. This person must depend solely on him or herself for appointments and necessities and can do that through medication, which are the same as Type B. Having a safe person is not a factor in this scenario.
Type D
Here is an agoraphobic who has conquered many of their fears, and as a result, is home bound only about 50% of the time. There is probably an expanded safe zone for this person and going out alone is commonplace. This is a person is caught between two worlds but definitely leans toward the safety of his or her home. Meds are taken on an as needed basis and are probably benzodiazepines.
Type E
Here we find the working agoraphobic. This person can hold down a job but the place of employment is probably close to home, maybe 5-10 miles. The job site is a safe zone much like the home is for the other types. When not working this person will most likely stay in their home but can leave if absolutely necessary. Benzodiazepines may be a factor here but on a limited basis.
I’m sure there is several other types of agoraphobia that fall in between the ones listed above but basically I believe you have housebound, partially housebound and working. Also, I’m sure you noticed there is no mention of panic attacks and that is because they are a variable that is impossible to predict. They are, however, the root cause of agoraphobia along with traumatic experiences and parental exposure. Bottom line, if you are an agoraphobic you really don’t care what type you are at all, you just want it to go away, I know I do!
Post edited by: silverguy, at: 11/02/2010 05:59 AM
