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Contents of this page: | |
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Definition Return to top
A phobia is a persistent and irrational fear of a particular type of object, animal, activity or situation.Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top
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 Return to top
Signs and tests Return to top
Treatment Return to top
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.
Expectations (prognosis) Return to top
Phobias tend to be chronic, but can respond to treatment.
Complications Return to top
Some phobias may have consequences that affect job performance or social functioning. Some medications can cause dependence.
Calling your health care provider Return to top
Call for an appointment with your health care provider or a mental health professional if a simple phobia is interfering with life activities.
Update Date: 1/25/2003 Updated by: David Taylor, M.D., Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |