Agoraphobia Treatment Options

Quick Fix for Agoraphobia?

As much as I wish there were, there is no quick fix for agoraphobia. Barring exceptional cases, there is no proven, overnight cure for agoraphobia that is backed by a substantial body of research.

However, there are ads posted on the internet to persuade you differently. There are many self-proclaimed "experts" with professional-looking websites claiming sure-fire solutions to stopping panic and agoraphobia almost instantly.

My experience tells me that agoraphobia can make you desperate enough to believe in and try just about anything to get better. But at the same time, it really hurts me to see innocent, well-meaning people waste their time and money on quick fix recovery programs designed to capitalize on the desperation of someone with agoraphobia.

Before you fall for the temptation to spend your money in hopes of a quick fix, think about this:

If an overnight cure for agoraphobia existed that was well-supported by research - wouldn't psychologists and psychiatrists everywhere be using it?

The truth is, cognitive-behavioral therapy (practiced as a self-help program or under the guidance of a therapist) is still the most effective treatment for agoraphobia. In the best cases, this type of treatment can significantly reduce the symptoms of agoraphobia in 12-16 weeks. If and when this changes, I am sure mental health researchers will let us know.

Until then, don't believe anyone on the internet who claims to know the secret cure for panic attacks and agoraphobia. I am tired of good people being taken advantage of in their darkest hours.