Agoraphobia Case Study Essay

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In case one the Subject Ann has a disproportionate fear of being away from home unaccompanied, as well as various open spaces, events, and even while driving the car. A result of this fear is that Ann rarely leaves her home, and when she does, she seeks escape or needs an immediate relative to accompany her. These symptoms have developed over a period of three years, and could be used to diagnose agoraphobia in Ann. Like most phobias Behaviorist believe agoraphobia is learned. In this case, Ann would have encountered a scenario that triggered a fear response of being outside. Since Ann’s main excuse for not leaving the house is that there might be an emergency. This could possibly shed some light on what triggered her agoraphobia. However, …show more content…

These symptoms have gotten to the point that they affect both her work and social life. Her boss has noted her difficulties; and she has not been on a date in over a year. Even her children leave her out of the loop so that she can avoid unnecessary anxiety. The symptoms all seem to point to avoidant personality disorder, which is a cluster C personality disorder. The causes of Avoidant personality disorder very greatly. However most psychologists believe in the biopsychosocial model. This states that there is no single cause of Avoidant personality disorder. Adrian’s development of Avoidant Personality Disorder could have been in response to social or psychological factors or even have been genetic. It is said that people with avoidant personality disorder to not develop proper social skills. However, considering Adrian’s age and late onset, that is very unlikely. Instead, Adrian views on the world seemed to have been negatively shifted towards her fear of disapproval. Her avoidance seems to be almost like a preemptive measure to avoid being disappointed. Interestingly the results of her actions are rather like a self-fulfilling prophecy. Where she is treated coldly because she acts coldly because she fears she will be treated

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