While it is not completely certain why some people with anxiety develop Panic Disorder, a hereditary pattern has been noticed by scientists. It has also been discovered that certain areas of the brain, as well as biological processes, have notable effects on fear and anxiety. While most people can rationalize certain sensations, those with Panic Disorder misconstrue harmless physical sensations as life-threatening, thus throwing the person into an attack. It is also postulated that stress and other environmental factors can play a role in the development of the disorder.

Due to the shame and embarrassment that can accompany Panic Disorder, most who struggle with this condition do not often reach out for help. Nevertheless, the frequent panic attacks and anxiety can be treated by a psychiatrist or psychologist through frequent psychotherapy.

The most effective treatment is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). This helps those suffering from frequent panic attacks develop new ways of thinking, behaving, and reacting to those common feelings that cause an attack. Through CBT, the frequency of panic attacks begins to decline, or completely vanish altogether. Before beginning CBT, or other forms of psychotherapy, a doctor might first recommend screening for other preexisting conditions that could present the same physical problems.

Alongside psychotherapy, medication can also be prescribed to help with the anxiety and feelings that trigger frequent panic attacks.

The medications that are often prescribed are:

In movies and television today, it is rather common to see characters plunge into intense episodes of panic attacks, however, to find an example of Panic Disorder is rare. 

The show greatly captures the frustration that can come with trying to live a normal life and being plunged into a panic attack with no previous indication or stressors present. At the onset of one particular attack, Tony describes the feeling as, “like ginger-ale in my skull.” He often struggles to maintain his composure as his vision blurs and his chest tightens, and he has to find a place to sit down. Friends and family rush to his aid whenever possible, yet despite the challenges this disorder presents in Tony’s life, he is still able to live a relatively normal life. Although at times over-dramatic and action packed, the show does a good job to demonstrate that this disorder does not have to rule one’s life, and there are ways to get past the attacks.

Individuals suffering with the disorder tend to avoid public places such as sizable open areas, large gatherings, and even public transportation. For someone with agoraphobia, the thought of leaving home can cause a crippling amount of stress, and often requires the company of another. It often consistently brings upon feelings of fear and anxiety which are unrealistic to the circumstances. These perceptions of danger and overwhelming distress often occur for at least 6 months, and affect around 1.7% of adolescents and adults, most of them women. It is not uncommon to see agoraphobia paired with additional anxiety disorders, such as panic disorder or depression.

During an agoraphobic episode, the person under distress may not be able to leave their home, putting an additional strain on relationships, and making working almost impossible. The agonizing fear of constant danger outside of the safety of one’s home can trigger panic attacks so severe that even stepping over the threshold of the front door can appear to be a life threatening and fundamentally impossible task. It is estimated that around a third of those diagnosed with agoraphobia never leave their homes at all.

Additional symptoms of the disorder include:

The onset of agoraphobia is usually a combination of environmental factors, psychological characteristics, and genetics. Traumatic life events, such as the death of a loved one or a physical attack, can be the triggering incidents which onsets the disorder; however, it has been discovered that 61% of those affected with agoraphobia are genetically predisposed to it, making many scientists believe it is also an inherited trait. A child who is raised in a cold and/or extremely overprotective domiciliary can also develop the disorder.

There are multiple forms of treatment that can be used to address agoraphobia, however, the treatment of choice is “systematic desensitization,” or exposure therapy. The goal is to help the person with agoraphobia function in society without any lingering fear or anxiety. It is a long-term behavioral method, which employs the help of a mental health expert, to progressively introduce the feared situations and bring upon the understanding that the anticipated results don’t occur. This form of treatment suppresses the persistent apprehension and has been found to successfully improve quality of life in 75% of circumstances. Additional forms of therapy that can be used include biofeedback, hypnosis, meditation, relaxation, and cognitive behavioral therapy. Antidepressant medications can be used in extreme situations; however, they are not long-term forms of treatments, and often are paired with additional forms of psychotherapy.

When her toilet overflows, she hires a plumber, Wes, to come and fix it. He becomes taken by her gentle demeanor and innocence, and invites her to have dinner with him. She agrees, but under one condition – they have to have dinner in her apartment. Their relationship continues to bloom within the small haven of her safe apartment. It is only a matter of time before Wes begins to realize that the woman he is falling for suffers with agoraphobia. He then begins to work with her and tenderly attempts to help pull her out of her reservations and fears. The film sheds a light into everyday life of someone struggling with agoraphobia while also illuminating the possibilities of living a normal life and finding hope in love and recovery.