AGORAPHOBIA

by ‧ RELEASE DATE: Jan. 7, 1976

An Australian doctor tells how she helped thousands of agoraphobic men and women get back on their feet--or at least out of the house. Agoraphobia, the fear of leaving home, is particularly difficult to treat since ""part of an agoraphobic's illness is the inability to travel alone (sometimes even if accompanied) to the doctor's office."" The solution? A variety of mail-order prescriptions for treatment by remote control, including two long-playing records, tape cassettes, and ""a quarterly magazine of direction and encouragement."" The book contains advice on how to cope with symptons (the doctor treats difficulty in swallowing by giving patients a biscuit to chew on); tips on the causes (physical illness and stress are the most common); scripts from the records; the text of a lecture; and lots of case studies, such as that of the 51-year-old agoraphobic woman who lost her father, brother, mother-in-law, and father-in-law in one year. Also: ""My husband went into a mental hospital owing money everywhere and I lost all my teeth."" The author disapproves of drugs or electric shock treatment, preaching instead a therapy of ""Utter, utter acceptance."" This book can reach agoraphobics where they live--at home.

Pub Date: Jan. 7, 1976

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Hawthorn

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 1976

Categories: NONFICTION