Sunday, January 10, 2010 tkb66 asks

Q: Do you think I have agorophobia?

I have been diagnosed with bipolar 1 disorder with mixed episodes. I have always been afraid to go outdoors, mainly I think because I'll see someone I have to talk to.

I stay in my house almost all the time. I stay away from the door because I'm afraid someone will come to the door and I'll have to answer it. I only get out to go to my psychiatrist and to my therapist, or to take one of my boys somewhere. Occasionally I go to the grocery store, but I hate it. I'm in a fog the whole time I'm there and I just want out so I usually end up coming home with a lot of things missing from my list. My boys usually always get the mail for me as most days that is very hard for me. We have stopped going to

church (for about 3 yrs.) I do okay when I'm with my mom or someone out shopping, but definitly not alone. Anyway do you think I am agorophobic? My current meds are 900mg Lithium, 150mg Lamictal, 60mg Cymbalta, 1mg Ativan, Levothyroxine and Cytomel.

- A
- A
- A

Answers (1)

Jerry Kennard, Health Pro

1/11/10 10:40am

Hi,

Thanks for your question. And the answer, given the symptoms you describe, is yes. The fact that you have bipolar does not rule out the possibilty of other conditions or symptoms. Your level of anxiety sounds quite high and clearly your home has become a place of safety and refuge. Yet, from what you say, even in the home you are anxious about people coming to the door. It's a shame you are going through this. Have you mentioned it to your doctor/therapist. Anxiety really needs to be treated or it tends to build on itself and you might become depressed. In your case it could trigger a bipolar event, so my advice is to get it out in the open and see what your doctor/therapist can recommend.

Related Questions

See all questions

Important:
We hope you find this general health information helpful. Please note however, that this Q&A is meant to support not replace the professional medical advice you receive from your doctor. No information in the Answers above is intended to diagnose or treat any condition. The views expressed in the Answers above belong to the individuals who posted them and do not necessarily reflect the views of Remedy Health Media. Remedy Health Media does not review or edit content posted by our community members, but reserves the right to remove any material it deems inappropriate.

Q: Do you think I have agorophobia?

Related Questions

Ask a Question