This is designed to explain agoraphobia. First, a little background to
put my explanation into a meaningful context. (Remember this is part of
my theory; anyone interested in reading more about it, may do so at
http://www.naples.net/~nfn03605.) I am a biologist, who has developed a
theory of human evolution. In my studies of human evolution, I found it
necessary to explain the "fight or flight" phenomenon. I decided that
the two major steroid hormones of the adrenal glands, DHEA and cortisol,
evolved specifically together. My work suggests that DHEA is used for
activation of all genes, so DHEA activates the nervous system. When
DHEA is high, it activates the nervous system. In the case of humans, a
confrontation stimulates the adrenal glands, so DHEA and cortisol are
both stimulated. According to my theory, if DHEA is high enough, it
stimulates the brain, so when one male sees another, DHEA is stimulated
and a "fight" might occur.
This motivation to fight is alright, because it might mean the victor
gets to eat, to drink, or have sex; all important things. The problem
is that two large, aggressive males, who are predisposed, will injure
each other. Even if one succeeds in not being mortally wounded, this
would decrease the numbers of males. In all likelihood, both might be
wounded enough to harm the chances of both leaving offspring for the
future of the species. I suggest that cortisol evolved to counteract
the effects of DHEA. Cortisol, in large amounts and over lengthy
periods of time, is damaging to all tissues, especially the brain. In
1985, I first suggested that the function of cortisol is that of an
"anti-DHEA." That is, cortisol is designed to interfere with the
effects of DHEA on the brain. Cortisol is designed to reduce the
motivating effects of DHEA on behavior. It is known that cortisol
increases when people are stressed; if cortisol gets too high, I
suggest, they take "flight." Cortisol makes us "chicken out," so the
big guy does not kill or severely harm us. I think the ratio of DHEA to
cortisol determines where we are on the "pecking order."
I think in some individuals, probably normally for them, or learned, the
cortisol ratio is too high. In some people, this results in merely
being "shy," while in others I think it results in agoraphobia. That
is, the "flight" part of their natures are turned on. Confrontations of
almost any kind result in too much cortisol, and, therefore, their brain
activation is decreased, and they cannot face a new situation, new
people, or even go outside. This is supported by research: "In
conclusion, it is suggested that the elevated postdexamethasone cortisol
levels sometimes observed in agoraphobic PD patients are more closely
related to the agoraphobic behavior than to the panic attacks per se."
(Biol Psychiatry 1991; 30(3):247-256). (I think panic attacks might
result from another form of reduced availability of DHEA. That is, the
inability to convert DHEA from its source, DHEA sulfate. The ratio of
DHEAS to cortisol is significantly higher in people with panic disorders
(Psychiatry Res 1989; 28(3):345-350).)
Now, I have been studying DHEA since 1985. When I was able to purchase
it, I started taking it. One of the first effects I discovered was a
significant decrease in my shyness, as I was quite shy. I suggest that
DHEA, over time, might help with agoraphobia, especially if taken prior
to attempts to leave one's home.
