Agoraphobia is an intense fear of being in a place or situation where something might go wrong. It is an anxiety disorder and involves the constant dread of being trapped in situations without any help available. People with agoraphobia feel anxiety about going out and doing things alone. They are afraid that they will have panic attacks if they do so and no one will be around to help them. Thus, they avoid going out to public places, especially crowded ones, and might even remain home-bound. There are a number of reasons that can cause agoraphobia, the most common of which is a previous traumatic experience. However, agoraphobia can be treated, through therapy, medication, or both. In fact, there are various self-help books that can help agoraphobics overcome their disorder. In this article, we have listed the 5 best agoraphobia books.
The 5 Best Agoraphobia Books
Below we have listed the 5 best agoraphobia books. If you or someone you know is suffering from this disorder, these books are meant for you. They provide explanations of symptoms of the disorders and give you comprehensive treatment plans to end your fear in no time.
1. Un-Agoraphobic: Overcome Anxiety, Panic Attacks, and Agoraphobia for Good (Retrain Your Brain to Overcome Phobias) By Hal Mathew
Recent neuroscience research indicates that the brain can be retrained at any age. With this knowledge in hand, the author reveals a new way of thinking that enables those suffering from phobias to regain control of their lives. His self-designed phobia treatment, which was based on neuroscience research, set him free, and he believes it can do the same for others. In this book, he walks you through writing exercises and visualization techniques to help you feel anchored, safe, and ready to venture out of the house for the first time. Moreover, he even discusses cooking and eating routines.
In this book, discover:
- Survival advise for those who suffer from fears and phobias
- A section dedicated to spouses and loved ones
- Freedom from panic disorder and a new beginning
2. The Agoraphobia Workbook: A Comprehensive Program to End Your Fear of Symptom Attacks By Dr. Elke Zuercher-White and Dr. C. Alec Pollard
This book provides agoraphobia sufferers with a comprehensive explanation of symptoms as well as a list of treatment resources. To confront and overcome persistent fears, perform step-by-step exercises. Reclaim the control and quality of life that agoraphobia has robbed you of.
The book discusses the four components of agoraphobic fear:
- external cues
- internal signals
- symptom attacks
- being afraid of disaster
3. The Anxious Truth : A Step-By-Step Guide To Understanding and Overcoming Panic, Anxiety, and Agoraphobia (The Anxious Truth – Anxiety Education And Support) By Drew Linsalata
The books, written by someone who has been through it all and comes out the other side, will explain in detail what the true nature of your anxiety disorder is. The book will walk you through what it takes to solve your anxiety problems. Further, it will tell you how to create an evidence-based anxiety recovery plan, and how to execute that plan correctly.
Read the book and join a large online community of fellow anxiety sufferers who are taking action to finally solve this problem.
4. Overcoming Anticipatory Anxiety: A CBT Guide for Moving past Chronic Indecisiveness, Avoidance, and Catastrophic Thinking By Sally M. Winston and Martin N. Seif
Two anxiety experts collaborate in this book to teach you how to manage your overactive imagination, limit future-based thinking, and face your fears. This essential guide is based on the authors’ innovative and simple-to-remember model:
- Recognize your anticipatory anxiety.
- Accept uncertainty and discomfort.
- There will be no struggling or avoiding. Commit to moving forward.
- Accept the present moment as it is so you can get on with your life.
It’s time to stop worrying about what might happen, face your fears, control your self-defeating imagination, and live fully in the present moment. Get this book to learn the motivation and skills you need to control your anticipatory anxiety.
5. Overcoming Panic Disorder and Agoraphobia – Client Manual (Best Practices for Therapy) By Matthew Mckay and Elke Zuercher-White
This protocol outlines a 12-to-16-week session treatment plan for individual clients suffering from agoraphobia and panic disorder. Psychoeducation, breathing retraining, cognitive restructuring, interoceptive exposure, in vivo exposure, and relapse prevention are all treatment interventions.
The following characteristics are shared by all of the therapist protocols in the book:
- A standardized format and organization
- A comprehensive treatment plan
- Specific assessment measures
- A summary of the treatment plan for managed care requirements
Each therapist protocol comes with its own step-by-step client manual that includes all of the education materials, worksheets, and skill-building assignments that the client will require.
Conclusion
We have provided you with a list of the 5 best agoraphobia books. These books, written by professionals in the field, give you a comprehensive overview of this psychological disorder. Further, they teach you tips and tricks on how you can survive agoraphobia and eventually overcome it. Buy the book best suited to you and get started on your journey of recovery.