Paula Deen and Agoraphobia
Agoraphobia is an anxiety disorder where a person has excessive fear of situations and places that would be challenging to escape. Examples of these places and situations are crowds, trains, or malls (Kring 178). According to the National Institute of Mental health, it is projected 5.6% of people will suffer from agoraphobia in their lifetime (Utah Psych). Paula Deen, a Southern Chef, is a part of the 5.6%. Mrs. Deen began suffering from agoraphobia shortly after both of the deaths of her parents; she was only 23-years-old. According to Mrs. Deen, her being agoraphobic last about 20 years (Oprah). After reading many articles on Mrs. Deen and her struggle with Agoraphobia, I completely agree with this diagnoses. Below I will list the DSM-5 criteria, whether or not I believe Mrs. Deen meets each criterion, and proof that supports said belief.
•…show more content… Deen has stated in more than one interview that for many years after her parent’s death she was extremely afraid to leave her home. Also, she has talked about her, although ironic, fear of grocery stores due to the enclosed isles and people that would surround her. She would avoid going to far into the grocery store and would only shop in the front of the store (Moskin). With these 2 examples of places that Deen was afraid to venture to, I do believe that she meets this criterion.
• “These situations consistently provoke fear or anxiety (Kring