Phobias

Phobias

Definition

A phobia is a constant and irrational fear of a specific type of object, animal, activity or situation.

Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors

Certain phobias are a type of anxiety disorder. Contact with the feared stimulus may trigger extreme anxiety or a panic attack.

Common phobias include the fear of particular animals (e.g., dogs or snakes), insects or spiders, high places, lightening, flying, and blood. Individuals with specific phobias often realize that their fear is absurd but are unable to prevent it.

Specific phobias are among the most common of all psychiatric disorders, affecting up to 10% of the population.

Phobia Symptoms & Signs

• Exposure to the feared object provokes an anxiety reaction.
• The anxiety and discomfort is out of proportion to the real threat of the feared object.
• Sweating.
• Poor motor control.
• Rapid heart rate.
• The person comes to avoid situations in which contact with the feared object or animal may occur -- for example, avoiding driving through tunnels, if tunnels are the subject of the specific phobia. This type of avoidance can interfere with job and social functioning.
• The person may feel weak or cowardly and lose self-esteem when avoiding the object of the phobia.
• Phobia Diagnosis & Tests
• Rapid heart rate
• Elevated blood pressure
• History of phobia
• Description of behavior from family, friends, and affected person
• Phobia Treatment

The objective of treatment is to help the person perform effectively. The success of the treatment usually depends on the severity of the phobia.

Systematic desensitization is a technique used to treat phobias. The individual is asked to relax, then imagine the components of the phobia, working from the least fearful to the most fearful. Graded real-life exposure has also been used with success to help individuals defeat their fears.

Anti-anxiety and antidepressant medications are sometimes used to help relieve the symptoms associated with phobias. However, some anti-anxiety medications, such as benzodiazepines, may cause physical dependence.

Phobia clinics and group therapy are available in some areas to help people deal with common phobias, such as a fear of flying.

Phobia Prognosis (Expectations)

Phobias tend to be chronic, but can respond to treatment.

Phobia Complications

Some phobias may have consequences that affect job performance or social functioning. Some medications can cause dependence.

Phobia Treatment

If you or someone you know would like to talk with one of our trained staff to discuss treatment options for Phobia treatment please contact us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at our t oll free number: 1-800-849-5969. You will receive a free consultation.