Persons with panic disorder often develop agoraphobia, the fear of being in a public place and far from help. If left untreated, agoraphobia can become so disabling that some individuals are completely housebound. An irrational fear of a specific object or situation that poses no real threat or danger. Sufferers will avoid the source of their fear at all costs, thus limiting their lives. Trigger events can be abuse, assault, rape, robbery, accident or natural disasters.
Symptoms can range from constantly reliving the event, flashbacks or emotional numbing.
Persons will avoid places that remind them of the event. They often self-medicate with alcohol or drugs. Effective treatments involve cognitive behavioral therapy and medication. Negative and catastrophic thoughts are replaced by realistic, calming thoughts. A primary tools is relaxation techniques used to interrupt the anxiety cycle.