Phobias: Information, Symptoms, Treatment and More

A Phobia can be defined as an intense and debilitating fear of something – namely a certain object, situation, place or animal.

Phobias are relatively common, and depending on the severity of the fear, can potentially cause profound distress. In this respect, a phobia can be seen as an anxiety-based condition.

Common phobias like Arachnophobia (fear of spiders) and Claustrophobia (fear of enclosed areas) are known as ‘simple’ phobias. These are relatively mild and as such are relatively simple to treat.

More intense phobias, that involve significant functional impairment are known as ‘Complex’ phobias. Complex phobias include social phobia – better known as Social Anxiety Disorder, and Agoraphobia – the fear of being in a situation where escape is difficult.

These phobias are more difficult to treat, we have dedicated pages for those. Here, we focus on simple phobias. In any case, with the right treatment and support, it is possible to attain full remission.

What are the symptoms of Phobias?

Sometimes, an individual with a phobia won’t experience any symptoms until they directly contact the source of their phobia. For some people, even the thought of their phobia’s source can lead to anxious thinking. Typical phobias include:

• Fear of enclosed spaces (Claustrophobia)
• Fear of blood (Hemophobia)
• Fear of spiders (Arachnophobia)
• Fear of clowns (Coulrophobia)
• Fear of heights (Acrophobia)

As mentioned, a phobia will induce feelings of anxiety. Depending on the severity of a phobia, an individual will experience either mild, moderate or severe symptoms. Symptoms include, but are not limited to:

• Feeling worried, afraid and generally tense
• Restlessness
• Being unable to relax
• Nausea
• Shortness of breath
• Sweating
• Irregular or fast heartbeat
• Stomach churning, stomach aches
• Restlessness
• Unnecessarily worrying about future events

This is not an exhaustive list of symptoms. After all, everyone has different experiences with phobias.

As a result of these symptoms, the behaviour of an individual will change markedly. An individual will often avoid a particular scenario, people or area – often going to great lengths to achieve this.

They may not wish to leave the house. In some cases, a person’s phobia can stop them from travelling great distances – such as if an individual is suffering from a phobia of flying.

What are the causes of Phobias?

Phobias don’t have an exact cause. Most people will be aware they have a phobia, and often have an idea what the possible cause could be. Many different factors may be involved in the onset of the phobia.

Normally, a phobia is triggered by a negative experience with the object or situation involved in the Phobia. For instance, being bitten by a dog at an early age may cause an individual to have a fear of dogs.

Traumatic events can cause a phobia. A particular object or situation associated with said traumatic event can lead to a phobia. Genetics appear to play a role, with phobias having the ability to run in families.

Similarly, it is possible for an individual to copy siblings or friends in their childhood, which may involve copying their fear of something. Sometimes, there simply isn’t a cause.

Diagnosis of Phobias

Phobias aren’t normally diagnosed. This is because in the majority of cases a phobia is rather mild, and doesn’t interrupt day-to-day life markedly. An individual may work hard to avoid the object, situation or animal they are afraid of.

But if the phobia has a significant impact on the day-to-day life of a person, then they may be diagnosed with the condition. If an individual has a severe phobia, they should contact a doctor.

A doctor can discuss the situation with the individual in an appointment. In order for a diagnosis to be made, the following criteria should be met:

• The phobia causes the individual impairment and distress – to the extent where they intentionally avoid their phobia.
• The phobia has been present for at least six months

If the doctor believes that treatment is warranted, then a treatment plan can be set up.

How are Phobias treated?

Treatment is available for phobias, with the aim for full recovery. In the majority of cases, simple phobias are rather mild, and therefore treatments don’t need to be too intensive. If treatment does go ahead, then possible methods include:

Self-help

Some anxiety-based conditions improve through self-help methods. These can include getting more sleep, avoiding alcohol, and regular exercise. Moreover, some people find that activities like meditation or mindfulness help.

Talking Therapy

Some form of talking therapy is normally the recommended treatment. Therapy can help individuals talk about their phobia, and come up with ways of overcoming their fear. Possible therapies include:

Exposure Therapy: Exposure Therapy – also known as Desensitisation – is commonly used for cases that involve either traumas or phobias. This type of therapy involves an individual being gradually exposed to their fear/trauma. A therapist can help set up a program for this. Over time, the individual will gradually become accustomed to their problem – though this takes time. The eventual aim is to overcome the problem. Relaxation methods may also be taught as part of this therapy.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): CBT is a type of therapy that is used to treat a range of mental health conditions. CBT involves an individual talking face-to-face with a therapist, although sometimes CBT can be conducted in a group setting. CBT attempts to improve an individual’s wellbeing and mood. The therapy focuses on the link between thoughts, feelings and actions. This can be useful for those with low self-esteem, anxiety, unhelpful personality traits or intrusive thoughts. CBT can help an individual understand their feelings more, and in the long run should lead to an improvement in quality of life.

There are many other types of talking therapies available if needed. Talking therapy can help in many ways. For more information, you can see our Therapy section.

Generally, talking therapy should be enough to treat simple phobias. It is very rare for medication to be required.

Summary

The aim with any phobia is full recovery. This is important, especially in cases where a phobia causes distress.

Those with a phobia due to a past trauma should especially receive help – otherwise the phobia risks turning into something more sinister.

See Also

• Anxiety Section
• What Is The Prognosis for Anxiety?
• Therapy Homepage
• Medicine Homepage