What are the symptoms of phobia overview?

• Exposure to object of phobia provokes anxiety reaction • Anxiety and discomfort that is out of proportion to the threat of the feared - object • Sweating • Poor motor control • Rapid heart rate • Feelings of weakness, cowardice, loss of self-esteem may occur when avoiding object of the phobia

What are the complications of phobia overview?

Some phobias may have consequences that affect job performance or social functioning.

Can phobia overview be prevented?

There is no known prevention. Treatment may be helpful in reducing attacks.

Guide

Phobia Overview

Andrey Nailor, M.D.Published 10 January 20052 min read

Key points

A persistent, irrational fear of an object, activity or situation that compels a person to avoid it, and causes distress and function impairment.
Phobias produce anxiety and often panic that is out of proportion to the actual threat of the feared object or situation.
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 persistent, irrational fear of an object, activity or situation that compels a person to avoid it, and causes distress and function impairment.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Phobias produce anxiety and often panic that is out of proportion to the actual threat of the feared object or situation. Common simple phobias are those involving animals or insects, a fear of high places, a fear of lightening, a fear of flying, or other fears.

These are very common in young children, and do not represent an abnormality.

In most cases, the phobias stem from an actual confrontation with the feared object or situation. Most simple phobias do not interfere with an individual's normal functioning to the point of seeking treatment. Phobias affect 7% of the population. There is usually no family history of mental illness or of the same phobia.

Symptoms

Exposure to object of phobia provokes anxiety reaction
Anxiety and discomfort that is out of proportion to the threat of the feared - object
Sweating
Poor motor control
Rapid heart rate
Feelings of weakness, cowardice, loss of self-esteem may occur when avoiding 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 upon the severity of the phobia.

Systematic desensitization is a behavioral technique used to treat phobias. It is based upon having the person 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 anti-depressive medications are sometimes used to help relieve the symptoms associated with phobias. A dependency on the medication is a possible side effect of this treatment.

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

Expectations (prognosis)

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

Written and revised by

Andrey Nailor, 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.

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Phobia Overview

Andrey Nailor, M.D.Published 10 January 20052 min read