Clinical manifestations and cognitive-behavioral treatment of agoraphobia in a young adult: a case study

Abstract

Agoraphobia can limit the autonomy, social participation, and academic performance of individuals who experience intense fear in situations from which escape may be difficult. The objective of this study was to analyze the clinical manifestations and outcomes of a cognitive behavioral intervention in a young adult diagnosed with agoraphobia. A clinical case study was conducted with a 21-year-old participant whose identity was protected in accordance with confidentiality principles. The assessment included a clinical interview, anamnesis, observation, background review, and administration of the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale and Bandelow’s Panic and Agoraphobia Scale. The initial results revealed severe anxiety, with a score of 32 on the first scale, and severe symptoms of panic and agoraphobia, with a score of 36 on the second. The intervention comprised ten cognitive behavioral therapy sessions involving psychoeducation, diaphragmatic breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, cognitive restructuring, and gradual exposure, both imagined and in vivo. The process promoted the identification of dysfunctional thoughts, the development of coping strategies, and a greater willingness to approach previously avoided situations. It was concluded that the intervention contributed to strengthening autonomy and progressively confronting feared situations. However, the changes were assessed qualitatively; therefore, follow-up and a subsequent psychometric evaluation are required to verify their stability.