PHOBIAS

 Basic information

description

• Phobias are a type of anxiety disorder involving intense and/or unrealistic fears. The fears may involve an object, situation, activity, event, or even a bodily function. The fear leads to avoidance of the stimulus. Phobias can cause minor or major problems for a person. Most people with phobias realize the fear is not appropriate to the situation. Phobias are classified as:
  • Social—fear of embarrassment in social situations, such as public speaking or using a public bathroom.
  • Agoraphobia—fear of being in crowds or fear of public places.
  • Specific (simple)—fear of a specific object or situation, such as animals, insects, heights, flying, or closed places.

FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• The following anxiety symptoms occur when exposed to, or thinking of the phobic stimulus:
  • Palpitations (irregular and rapid heartbeat).
  • Desire to flee.
  • Sweating, tremors, shortness of breath, or dizziness.
  • Flushing.
  • Nausea.
  • Negative thoughts and scary images.

causes

When fears are real (due to danger or a threat to life), the body's alarm system switches on and is ready to help protect us. With phobias, this alarm system switches on when there is no real threat or danger. The exact cause for this is unknown. It may involve genetics, family influence, traumatic events, medical conditions, or imbalance of certain brain chemicals.

risk increases with

• Family history of anxiety.
• Persons with other anxiety disorders.
• Women more than men.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

No specific preventive measures to prevent the phobia. After diagnosis, treatment can help prevent or control the reaction.

expected outcomes

• Specific phobias—some stop on their own as the person ages. Others do not cause any problems if the object can be avoided (such as snakes). Some get better as people go through their fearful situations (such as flying). Others can be cured or helped with treatment.
• Social phobias—usually can be resolved with treatment. Drugs are often helpful.
• Agoraphobia—is more difficult to treat because the person has so many fears, but treatment can help.

possible complications

• Limits in lifestyle due to avoiding the phobic stimulus. Agoraphobia, especially, restricts a person's activities and is severely disabling.
• Overuse of drugs or alcohol to relieve anxiety.

 diagnosis & treatment

general measures

• Your health care provider will usually do a physical exam and ask about your symptoms and activities. Medical tests may be done to rule out other disorders.
• Treatment may involve psychotherapy, drug therapy, and self-help methods. No treatment may be needed if the phobia is not interfering with daily life.
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy may help. Cognitive therapy teaches how to change thoughts, behaviors, or attitudes. Behavioral therapy teaches ways to reduce anxiety with deep breathing and muscle relaxation.
• Simple self-help ideas if you feel your fear taking hold:
  • Shift a thought from a negative ("The dog will bite") to a real and positive one ("The dog is on a leash").
  • Do something you can control—count backward from 1000, read a book, talk aloud, or take deep, measured breaths.
  • Shift your thoughts to pleasant ones.
  • Practice relaxation techniques.
• Joining a support group is helpful for some patients.
• To learn more: Anxiety Disorders Association of America, 8730 Georgia Ave., Suite 600, Silver Spring, MD 20910; (240) 485-1001 (not toll free); website: www.adaa.org.

medications

Drugs are frequently helpful. Your health care provider will discuss the options, the risks, and the benefits.

activity

No limits. Regular exercise helps relieve anxiety.

diet

Eat a healthy diet. Avoid caffeine and alcohol.

 notify our office if

• You or a family member has symptoms of a phobia.
• Symptoms of the phobia return after treatment.

Special Notes: