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The genetic code of mental illness: Why does agoraphobia run in families?
Agoraphobia is a psychiatric disorder and an anxiety disorder characterized by intense anxiety symptoms when an individual perceives their environment as unsafe and lacks a means of escape. Such environments may include public transport, shopping centres, crowds and queues, or even being alone outside your home. Sufferers may experience panic attacks when placed in these situations and often go to great lengths to avoid them. Severe cases can even prevent sufferers from leaving their homes altogether. According to research, the development of agoraphobia is usually based on a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
Agoraphobia is often closely associated with family members, and studies have shown that the condition can be passed down genetically in families.
The development of agoraphobia often stems from a genetic background, but may also be related to stressful or traumatic events that an individual has experienced, such as the death of a parent or an assault. Additionally, the disorder is classified as a phobia in the DSM-5, along with specific phobias and social phobias.
According to statistics, about 1.7% of adults are affected by this disease, and the incidence rate of females is about twice that of males. Agoraphobia is less common in children, usually beginning to develop during adolescence or early adulthood, and increases in frequency in people over 65 years of age.
Symptoms and manifestations
People with agoraphobia feel anxious in unfamiliar situations, especially when they feel they lack control. Triggers of this anxiety may include open spaces, crowds of people (social anxiety), traveling, etc. Patients often choose to avoid these situations and stay in a private space where they can control themselves, usually their own home.
Many patients report that after a panic attack in a public place, their fear of that place is further deepened, making them reluctant to step into the place that once triggered the panic.
Effects of a panic attack
Some patients may experience a sudden panic attack when they visit a place where they feel they have a lack of self-control. Symptoms of a panic attack include palpitations, rapid heartbeat, sweating, shaking, nausea, dizziness, and shortness of breath. Many patients also experience fear of death or concerns about losing control of their emotions and behavior.
Discussion of causes
Although the causes of agoraphobia are complex, most studies believe that it is mainly due to the interaction between genetics and the environment. Additionally, many people who suffer from agoraphobia often have difficulties with spatial perception, which makes them feel overwhelmed in open or crowded environments.
Studies have shown that long-term use of certain psychotropic drugs, such as sleeping pills and sedatives, may induce agoraphobia, showing a close link between substance abuse and the symptom.
Psychotherapy and drug treatment
Agoraphobia is unlikely to resolve on its own without treatment, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is usually the main treatment of choice. CBT can significantly reduce symptoms in about half of patients. In addition, the use of tranquilizers or antipsychotic drugs may also be helpful for some patients.
Each treatment approach affects patients differently, and in different cases, a combination of psychotherapy and medication often works best.
Sociocultural influences and overall epidemiology
Agoraphobia has a significant impact in society, especially within families where it often leads to patterns of anxiety that are passed down from generation to generation. Epidemiological data show that women are more susceptible to this psychological symptom, and the incidence rate among young and elderly people has a clear upward trend.
The causes, symptoms, and treatment of agoraphobia remain a hot topic in mental health research. People can't help but wonder, what factors in the family environment can affect the transmission of this mental illness?
