Agoraphobia in Everyday Life: a Sociological Study of Agoraphobia

This book is based on a study of 100 people with agoraphobia. The study explores the onset, unmanaged and managed stages of agoraphobia in their lives. The book is written for both health professionals and, with the inclusion of a large number of research participants' quotes, for the interested reader. The study investigates the family upbringing and traumatic events that contributed to the onset of agoraphobia. Also, the author reveals the social impact of panic attacks and avoidance behaviours on research participants' primary, secondary and tertiary education. In addition, the work investigates the social impact of mental illness on people's employment, social interactions, travelling and everyday life in public places; also,the impact of agoraphobia on marriage and parenting experiences. Finally the author explores the role of religious experience, personal coping strategies, medications, alcohol, health professionals and Cognitive Behavioural Treatment programmes, support group involvement, and internet usage in the management of agoraphobia. These and other themes will fully inform the reader on the socially disabling nature of this mental illness