Treatment:

The goal of treatment is to help you function effectively. The success of treatment usually depends on the severity of the phobia.

Systematic desensitization is a technique used to treat phobias. You are asked to relax, then imagine the things that cause the anxiety, working from the least fearful to the most fearful. Gradual exposure to the real-life situation also been used with success to help people overcome their fears.

Anti-anxiety and antidepressant medications are often used to help relieve the symptoms of phobias.

Expectations (prognosis):

Phobias tend to be chronic, but respond well to treatment.

Complications:

Some phobias may affect job performance. People with this disorder may become housebound for years, which is likely to hurt their social and interpersonal relationships.

Calling your health care provider:

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you develop symptoms of agoraphobia.