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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: 1-866-874-9774.
You will receive a free consultation. |
