Differentiating Phobia From a Normal Fear

Fear is a normal response of humans to danger. It is actually protective in nature, as it activates the “fight-or-flight” response of our sympathetic nervous system. In the face of a threat, our sympathetic nervous system secretes adrenalin, the emergency hormone. This adrenalin rush prepares us to either fight or flee from the impending danger. The mechanism of the “fight-or-flight” response includes an increase in heart rate as well as an increased blood flow to our large muscles to enable us to respond effectively during an emergency.

You should not wonder then that during a fire, you could carry some heavy objects which you normally cannot do; or you may be able to run faster than your normal running speed and ability allow when fleeing from a certain danger. It is therefore but normal and even to your advantage if you experience a certain degree of fear in times of emergency to activate your sympathetic nervous system.

However, if you have an extreme and quite irrational fear of a specific object or situation which is generally considered harmless, then your fear has already become a phobia. If you suffer from a certain phobia, most likely you realize that your fear is unreasonable, but you are powerless to control it anyway.

Symptoms of phobia

A person with a phobia may experience any of the following common symptoms of this disorder:

• Shortness of breath
• Pounding heartbeat, palpitation, or rapid heart rate
• Chest pain or discomfort
• Trembling or shaking
• Choking sensation
• Excessive sweating
• Nausea or stomach upset
• Lightheadedness, dizziness or fainting
• Feelings of unreality or detachment from oneself
• Fear of losing control or going crazy
• Fear of death
• Hot/cold flushes

How phobias are diagnosed

If you experience any of the above symptoms in relation to a certain fear, it is best to consult your doctor right away. He/she will then perform a complete medical history and a thorough physical examination to come up with a diagnosis of your condition. Although there are no laboratory tests to specifically diagnose a phobia, your doctor may use some tests to rule out any physical conditions as underlying causes of the symptoms you manifest.

If your symptoms have no physical basis, then your doctor may refer you to a psychiatrist or a clinical psychologist trained to diagnose and treat psychological disorders like phobias. Remember that early diagnosis and proper treatment are vital in the effective resolution of your condition.

A phobia is normally diagnosed based on your reported symptoms, including functional problems arising from these symptoms. If fear or anxiety over something is irrational but so excessive that it hampers, interferes, or impairs your daily routine and your personal relationships, then a diagnosis of phobia is usually established.

In conclusion, fear is normal up to a certain degree. But it can be qualified as a form of phobia when it becomes unreasonable and extreme to the point that your daily activities, social life, and personal relationships are hampered or impaired.