Phobia - simple/specific
Key points
- A phobia is a persistent and irrational fear of a particular type of object, animal, activity or situation.
- Exposure to the feared stimulus may provoke extreme anxiety or a panic attack.
- The goal of treatment is to help the person function effectively.
- Some phobias may have consequences that affect job performance or social functioning.
Definition
A phobia is a persistent and irrational fear of a particular type of object, animal, activity or situation.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Specific phobias are a type of Anxiety disorder. Exposure to the feared stimulus may provoke 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. People with specific phobias often realize that their fear is irrational but are unable to prevent it.
Specific phobias are among the most common of all psychiatric disorders, affecting up to 10% of the population.
Symptoms
- 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.
Signs and tests
- Rapid heart rate
- Elevated blood pressure
- History of phobia
- Description of behavior from family, friends, and affected person
Treatment
The goal of treatment is to help the person function effectively. The success of the treatment usually depends on the severity of the phobia.
Systematic desensitization is a technique used to treat phobias. The person 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 people overcome 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.
Written and revised by
Gerald Hurowitz, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
health.am provides general information, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional about your own health.