Sheila Jackson Psychological Disorder Essay

Agoraphobia is a psychological disorder characterised by panic and anxiety. This particular anxiety disorder involves the fear of experiencing a panic attack in a public place where safety may be unavailable, which causes discomfort (Lilienfeld, 2017). This disorder is commonly recognized in women and often arises during adolescent years. Often times, people develop agoraphobia after a previous panic attacks, which than causes them to worry about having another in the future (Agoraphobia, 2017). This results in avoidant behaviours, such as evading places where an attack may occur. There are many causes, symptoms, effects on both the individual with the disorder and their loved ones, as well as a variety of treatments available.

Symptoms

Although

agoraphobia is similar to other social phobias, it is important to note that agoraphobia is a unique type of anxiety disorder that has debilitating symptoms. As Dr. Greg (2011) explains, many people who experience this disorder experience sudden panic attacks that may cause them to experience fear, sweating, nausea, dizziness, and a rapid heart rate. Individuals who suffer with severe agoraphobia have a tendency to feel safe at home on their own private property, which results in them often becoming homebound (Lilienfeld, 2017). According to "Mayo Clinic (2017)", typical symptoms include a fear of: leaving home, large crowds and lines, enclosed spaces such as theatres, shopping malls and using public transportation. Typically, these symptoms lasts for a minimum of six months and can cause extreme distress during social interactions, especially when speaking in public.

Causes
There is no evidence of exact causes for Agoraphobia however; it is often recognized as a development from anxiety disorders and panic disorders (Agoraphobia: Types, Causes, and Symptoms, 2012). Individuals who have a heightened risk for developing agoraphobia are individuals with depression, social and specific phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorder, abuse, and specific genetics. (Agoraphobia: Types, Causes, and Symptoms, 2012).

Affect
The patient with such disorder, as well as their families are affected by these symptoms of agoraphobia (Family support aids treatment for agoraphobics, 2005). Agoraphobia can be associated with effect of one's mental and physical health. Depression, hypertension, migraines and cardiovascular issues are often reported in those with panic disorders. In severe cases, suicide has been a way of ones escape from panic and depression (Taylor, 2006). This is a prime example of how the disorder can also affect their loved ones. Agoraphobics become dependent on the people surrounding them, in order to reduce their stress levels. This can cause a rise in stress for such family member. In addition, the patient's symptoms may worsen over time and be more difficult to treat. In some situations, treatment that involves intervention or family therapy can cause tension and discomfort.
Available Treatment
Agoraphobia can be challenging to treat because it requires individuals to confront their fears directly. However, utilizing therapy and medications can help individuals overcome agoraphobia (Agoraphobia, 2017). Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a program that is often utilized to reduce the frequency of panic attacks and avoidant behaviour (Taylor, 2006). Benzodiazepines are the most commonly used medication to treat multiple types of panic and anxiety disorders and therefore should likely be effective in treating agoraphobia. (Perreault, 2013) These prescriptions, along with antidepressants are typically beneficial for reducing the symptoms of this disorder. They particularly help individuals attend events and socialize without experiencing panic. Symptoms are often reduced and a sense of well-being is introduced (Agoraphobia, 1974).
Serotonin intake may also be recommended by a doctor to reduce the symptoms that accompany the disorder (Agoraphobia, 1974)
Prognosis
One report follow-up after a year of treatment showed incredible amounts of improvement for each individual. However, "five of the 13 cases who attained full recovery and 7 of the 16 cases who satisfied the criteria of improvement, relapsed into a new episode." (Agoraphobia with panic attacks: 1-Year prospective follow-up, 2004)

Media Portrayal
Sheila Jackson is a female character in a Netflix Series called Shameless (US).

She lives in a house with her ex-husband Eddie who later commits suicide, her daughter Karen who becomes pregnant, and her current boyfriend Frank Gallagher. Sheila has an obsession with inappropriate sexual desires or thoughts and is very anal about shoes. Like everyone else, when a new person enters her house, not only does she get overwhelmingly anxious and paces around, but she immediately put their shoes in a bag in order to avoid dirt. With disability checks coming in, Sheila is entirely dependent on her loved ones for doing grocery shopping and any other duty that would be necessary in leaving the house. For the past five years, Sheila has secluded herself from the outside world and society all around. With severe panic attacks and anxiety, she has developed a more intense psychological disorder; Agoraphobia. Such psychological disorder has caused Sheila to feel especially safe being homebound. Sheila's fear of being in a situation without escape or aid, has caused her to even feel unsafe beyond her front door steps. Shameless has provided Sheila with a clear example of what Agoraphobia may look like. Sheila's symptoms have brought such diagnosis to mind because her symptoms fit entirely with the requirements for Agoraphobia diagnosis. In the Youtube clip "Shameless - Sheila Agoraphobia", there are different parts from the series in which provide us with multiple expressions of Sheila's disorder. In particular, some examples of her symptoms are: the safety at home, unexpected panic attacks when going out, and the avoidance of society. In one of the clips, Sheila is left in charge of Frank's youngest son Liam who accidentally gets outside. Sheila must take responsibility and bring him back inside, in doing so, she ties bedsheets to herself and to the stairs inside the house so that she has a continuous sense of comfort. Sheila is well aware of her disorder and takes the initiative

to find herself CBT. Her one-on-one therapist uses real life coping situations such as Virtual Reality in order to flood her with facing her fears. Sheila also sets herself up for improvement by setting goals for each day on how far from home she will get. In conclusion, self-help along with medication and cognitive behavioural therapy is the most effective ways in which one can overcome a fear.