{"id":2122,"date":"2018-10-02T05:43:17","date_gmt":"2018-10-02T10:43:17","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/cpoe.org\/?p=2122"},"modified":"2018-10-11T13:59:12","modified_gmt":"2018-10-11T18:59:12","slug":"phobia","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cpoe.org\/blog\/phobia\/","title":{"rendered":"Phobia symptoms and treatment"},"content":{"rendered":"

What is a Phobia?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

A phobia is an irrational, overwhelming fear of something which actually poses no danger. People who have a phobia know that the fear is unfounded but are unable to control it.<\/p>\n

A phobia is a type of anxiety disorder; people can experience fear just thinking about the the cause of it. The worry of facing their phobia can interfere with everyday life.<\/p>\n

A phobia can be the fear of an object, situation, animal, activity or place. People will do whatever they feel necessary to avoid contact with the triggers of their phobia. (1<\/a><\/u>)<\/p>\n

Symptoms<\/strong><\/h2>\n

It is normal to feel fearful of a dangerous situation. Our natural \u201cflight or fight\u201d response is instinctive when we feel threatened. It is our body’s way of protecting us from something harmful.<\/p>\n

When a phobia is present this instinct is uncontrollable and exaggerated when confronted with a non existent threat.<\/p>\n

Feeling anxious when flying on an airplane through a storm, or during take off and landing, is normal. A person with a phobia of flying will refuse to get on an airplane under any circumstances.<\/p>\n

Butterflies in the stomach when at the top of a tall building or crossing a high bridge are common for almost anyone. A phobia of heights will stop someone crossing a high bridge, even if they have to drive miles to get around. It could also mean they will refuse to work for a company in high rise buildings.<\/p>\n

Feeling apprehensive when visiting the dentist for treatment is a natural reaction. People with a phobia of needles might endure toothache rather than seek treatment.<\/p>\n

The symptoms associated with a phobia can be far reaching, and can cause extreme anxiety and panic attacks<\/a>. This can happen even when thinking about the cause of the phobia. It\u2019s not uncommon for someone with a phobia of snakes to refuse to watch them on television or look at pictures of them.<\/p>\n

The symptoms can be both physical and psychological.<\/p>\n

Physical Symptoms<\/strong><\/p>\n

One of the main symptoms of a phobia is a panic attack. This is an uncontrollable reaction to exposure to the perceived phobia. This will make a person feel frightened, distressed and very anxious.<\/p>\n

Accompanying a panic attack, a person can experience hot flashes and they will sweat and tremble.<\/p>\n

They might feel like they are choking and have difficulty breathing or a shortness of breath. Their heart will beat too fast and their chest will feel very tight. Butterflies in the stomach will often be present and they may feel nauseous.<\/p>\n

Dizziness<\/a>, headaches<\/a>, feeling faint and having a dry mouth are further physical symptoms. A feeling of pins and needles and ringing in the ears might also be present. Some people might become confused and disorientated.<\/p>\n

A loss of control of the bladder or bowels might instigate an immediate need to use the bathroom. (2<\/a><\/u>, 3<\/a><\/u>)<\/p>\n

Psychological Symptoms<\/strong><\/p>\n

Many different feelings can accompany a phobia. An overwhelming sense of anxiety and panic is often present.<\/p>\n

People will experience an intense need to run away and escape their situation. They can feel that the situation they are in is unreal and be detached from what is happening to them.<\/p>\n

A loss of self control, and feeling they are losing their mind, is not uncommon. Feelings of dread can be so strong a person might think they are going to pass out or even die.<\/p>\n

These feelings are all irrational; the individual experiencing them knows that, but is powerless to stop them. (4<\/a><\/u>, 5<\/a><\/u>)<\/p>\n

Stages<\/strong><\/h2>\n

There are no stages associated with phobias They can however be classified as simple (specific) phobias, or complex phobias.<\/p>\n

Simple Phobias<\/strong><\/p>\n

These phobias can be divided into the following categories:<\/p>\n

Animal Phobia<\/strong><\/p>\n

This is a phobia associated with animals such as spiders, rats, mice, snakes, insects, dogs or fish.<\/p>\n

Environmental Phobia<\/strong><\/p>\n

This type of phobia describes a fear of natural things and surroundings. It includes things like storms, deep water, germs, heights and darkness.<\/p>\n

Situational Phobia<\/strong><\/p>\n

These are phobias of situations including the fear of enclosed spaces (claustrophobia). It also applies to a fear of flying, driving, visiting the dentist, tunnels, bridges, basements and tall buildings.<\/p>\n

Bodily Phobia<\/strong><\/p>\n

This applies to things such as blood, injections, vomit, illness, injury or undergoing medical procedures. (6<\/a><\/u>, 7<\/a><\/u>)<\/p>\n

Complex Phobias<\/strong><\/p>\n

These phobias are more disabling than simple phobias and have a greater impact on daily life. Usually developing in adulthood, they are linked to a deep rooted fear and anxiety associated with a particular circumstance or situation. Twof the most common complex phobias include:<\/p>\n

Agoraphobia<\/strong><\/p>\n

This phobia is often associated with a fear of open spaces, however there is more involved. People with this condition feel anxious when placed in a situation or circumstance where escape is difficult during a panic attack.<\/p>\n

It could be linked to places where a person has experienced a panic attack. The thought of it happening again means they avoid returning. Even thinking about being in that situation again will make them anxious.<\/p>\n

Agoraphobia will prevent a person from using airplanes, buses or the subway. They will avoid crowded places such as movie theatres or shopping malls.<\/p>\n

It can also stop a person venturing from home on their own, and when severe, from leaving home at all. (8<\/a><\/u>)<\/p>\n

Social Phobia<\/strong><\/p>\n

This is also called social anxiety disorder<\/a> and prevents people entering social situations. They fear being judged or be seen as socially inept. Worry over what others think about them will lead to an avoidance of social situations.<\/p>\n

People with this disorder get anxious about how they look and will be very self conscious. They will be afraid of making a fool of themselves in front of others.<\/p>\n

These anxieties lead to avoidance of meals with friends in restaurants, dealing with strangers, mingling at parties and public speaking. This can be a debilitating condition having a major impact on daily life. (9<\/a><\/u>)<\/p>\n

Treatment<\/strong><\/h2>\n

A phobia does not always require treatment. Avoidance of the cause of the fear can be enough to control the issue.<\/p>\n

There are however instances when this is not possible and treatment might be necessary to deal with the phobia.<\/p>\n

There is no \u201cone size fits all\u201d solution for a phobia and a combination of treatments might be needed. These include self help techniques, talking therapy and medication.<\/p>\n

Self Help<\/strong><\/p>\n

Lifestyle changes such as getting enough sleep, \u00a0regular exercise and healthy eating can help a person deal with the symptoms of a phobia.<\/p>\n

Relaxation techniques help control breathing. Visualisation techniques assist in picturing how a person can deal positively with an anxious situation. Self help groups with like minded people help by sharing experiences and coping methods.<\/p>\n

Exposure therapy or desensitisation helps by increasing the exposure to a phobia gradually. For example, if you are afraid of dogs, you might start by reading about them, then looking at pictures of them.<\/p>\n

The next step might be to visit a kennel or a friend who has a dog. Eventually you might be able to be near a dog without being anxious. (10<\/a><\/u>)<\/p>\n

Talking Therapy<\/strong><\/p>\n

These treatments include psychotherapy and cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). Both are effective in treating phobias, in particular CBT.<\/p>\n

Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is a form of counselling which enables a person to deal with problems by changing thoughts and behaviors.<\/p>\n

One of the methods is the same in principle to the self help technique of desensitisation. It gradually exposes a person to object of their fear enabling them to reduce the anxiety associated with it.<\/p>\n

It allows a person to take control of their fear to try and overcome it. (11<\/a><\/u>)<\/p>\n

Medication<\/strong><\/p>\n

Medication might sometimes be prescribed on a short term basis to help relieve the symptoms of a phobia.<\/p>\n

Medications used include antidepressants, tranquilizers and beta blockers. These will all be taken under medical supervision as they have potential side effects and can have withdrawal symptoms. (12<\/a><\/u>)<\/p>\n

FAQ<\/strong><\/h2>\n

What is a phobia? <\/strong>A phobia is an irrational, overwhelming fear of something which actually poses no danger. People who have a phobia know that the fear is unfounded but are unable to control it.<\/p>\n

What are the signs of a phobia? <\/strong>The main symptom of a phobia is an overwhelming sense of anxiety causing a panic attack. This leads to physical symptoms including a racing heart, breathlessness, trembling, shaking, lightheadedness and nausea<\/a>. It also gives rise to feelings of dread and a loss of control.<\/p>\n

How do you develop a phobia? <\/strong>There is no single reason why people develop a phobia. It could be linked to a past experience, or it might have been learned\u00a0at a young age from a parent or sibling. It could also be genetic. (13<\/a><\/u>)<\/p>\n

How are you diagnosed for a phobia? <\/strong>A person is usually aware they have a phobia and diagnosis is not necessary. (14<\/a><\/u>)<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong>What is the best treatment for a phobia?<\/strong>\u00a0There are self help, talking and medical therapies available. All can be successful in treating a phobia.<\/p>\n

What are the long term complications of a phobia? <\/strong>Unless treated, a phobia can lead to avoidance of the trigger, which could interfere with daily life.<\/p>\n

Is a phobia considered a disability? <\/strong>A phobia is not considered a disability, however when anxiety is severe social security benefits might be paid. (15<\/a><\/u>)<\/p>\n

Is there a cure for a phobia? <\/strong>Many simple phobias can be successfully treated.<\/p>\n

Is a phobia life threatening? <\/strong>This is not a life threatening condition.<\/p>\n

Summary<\/strong><\/h2>\n

A phobia is an irrational, overwhelming fear of something which actually poses no danger. People who have a phobia know that the fear is unfounded but are unable to control it.<\/p>\n

There are many things and situations associated with phobias. The good news is most phobias can be successfully treated.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

What is a Phobia? A phobia is an irrational, overwhelming fear of something which actually poses no danger. People who have a phobia know that the fear is unfounded but are unable to control it. A phobia is a type of anxiety disorder; people can experience fear just thinking about the the cause of it. […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":4512,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/cpoe.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2122"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/cpoe.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/cpoe.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cpoe.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cpoe.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2122"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/cpoe.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2122\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cpoe.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4512"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/cpoe.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2122"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cpoe.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2122"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cpoe.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2122"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}