Panic Attacks and Agoraphobia...

Personality characteristics and vulnerability to certain kinds of conditions or disorders are almost certainly passed on genetically, just like vulnerability to allergies or certain physical illnesses.

In the case of conditions like panic disorder, agoraphobia, generalized anxiety disorder, depression, etc., you may or may not exhibit the same symptoms as your parent but you are likely to have a greater likelihood of showing a related sensitivity.

To take a more extreme example, if you have a parent or grandparent or other close relative who suffers from schizophrenia, you will not necessarily develop schizophrenia yourself, but you are more likely to develop bipolar disorder or major depression or an anxiety disorder, etc.

Hi ursulab2

I would put this slightly differently to minstrel. While it appears possible that the susceptibility to these sorts of conditions may have a genetic element, it is by no means a certainty.

By that, I mean that if someone did have a genetic tendency they are perfectly capable of living life without developing the condition, and those without a genetic tendency are perfectly capable of developing it.

For example, tall people with blue eyes are supposed to be more susceptible to anxiety conditions. I am 6' 6" with blue eyes and no anxiety problems.

Learning the thinking styles of, and conditioning of, a family member however is much more likely; hence why kids often pick up the phobias their parents have. If I am young and see my mother being terrified of a spider, I would be excused for believing that a spider is a truly dangerous thing!

If I live with someone whose judgement I trust for 15 years or so and experience them behaving a certain way, I am extremely likely to pick up their behavioural patterns.

There are people and approaches out there that can help you ursulab2; don't give up trying because you think it is 'in your genes'.

All the best

Roger

Hi Ursula,

I think that a fear or phobia can be learnt from a parent. When I was about 3 years old, I saw a snake when I was walking in the woods with my mother. I remember having no fear whatsoever of the snake but when I pointed the creature out to my mother, she grabbed my hand and we started running.

As I grew up, I remember many incidents where I witnessed my mother being afraid when a snake or spider was present. By late teens, the sight of a snake, or even a tiny money spider, produced fear reactions in me, which I did not want.

By chance, I later visited a snake park and with the help of an experienced snake handler, I touched a snake. I was surprised to find that the snake felt quite dry and touching it was not unpleasant, which was contrary to what I had expected. Touching the snake altered my perception of them, which helped considerably in reducing my fear of snakes.

The snake experience made me wonder if I could 'unlearn' my fear of spiders too and, over the years, my fear of them has also been reduced by gradual and careful exposure to the feared object. I can now happily watch a money spider running around on my hand and tolerate larger spiders at a short distance.

My understanding is that a phobia is an exaggerated form of a fear, so don't give up hope Ursula because if I can unlearn my fears, then surely it must be possible for you to unlearn yours too.

All the best,
Marylin

yes it can be passed on. in fact, it usually is. (anxiety phobia work book.) and when i had agoraphobia, the way i finally beat it was to make myself get out and go through anything that scared me. it works for some and not for some others. its a hard way to go about it and it will be tough, but you can beat it!!!

Hi Ursula,

Its sounds to me lik we have exactly the same problem although I may be slightly further down the road than yourself. I have had panics/anxiety for 17 years and used alcohol for years in an attempt to suppress it (very stupid i know).
I gave up the alcohol 4 years ago and was immediately and inexplicably agoraphobic. At first i couldn't get as far as the local shop but over time I have been able to spread my wings slightly. I am now able to drive in a radius of about 15 miles from home and, although frustrated at how slow it is, I see this as a great improvement. I have just exposed myself to the problem and driven slightly further each time I have gone out.
I still hate motorways, bridges and all those horrible things but I guess I'll get there in time.
I hope this has helped in some way.
If anyone knows some way that I can speed up my recovery I'd be eternally grateful

Hiya Migsthewasp,

Welcome to the Forum.

It seems that you've already made some great stride forwards, both in stopping drinking and being free from your agoraphobia.

There's some really useful information about panic attacks here: http://www.panic-attacks.co.uk/.

You might also benefit from seeing a hypnotherapist, who can assist you to feel much more at ease in those situations that you now find challenging.

Best wishes

My mum was agoraphobic when i was growing up. I think seeing this has contributed to my own anxiety problems. I hope if I have children they don't have to tolerate this.

Hi tara

Fortunately, even mums who have anxiety or low-confidence themselves can help their own kids be much more confident.

Did you know you can download this Self Esteem Handbook which is full of tips on how to build your own self-esteem AND the self-esteem and confidence of others? It could be a really good investment for you!

Kathleen