Phobia

The term “phobia” is referred to a constant, inveterate, unreasonable and rigorous fright concerning to particular things, actions or situations that are usually well thought-out safe by other people. Some of the common phobias include dreads of animals, heights, gatherings or social dealings which may be more willingly accepted by the common people. Others such as dread of flowers or buttons may appear to be more confusing, but to people with such phobias, the dread is of course, enormously valid. Phobias can last for a number of years and can create a significant chaos in every day living. Phobias hinder the lives of people of all ages, from all walks of life and in each part of the country. Phobias concern nearly 4 % of men and 13 % of women. Research work is in advancement to describe the probable causes of phobias. 1, 2

Phobias are categorized into three major types according to the source of the response and evasion. They involve “Social phobia”, “Specific phobia” and “Agoraphobia”. “Social phobia” is characterized by severe worry and deep self-consciousness. People suffering from social phobia have no assurance with people they do not know and have an utmost dread of being watched and judged by others and of being shamed by their own dealings. Many people with this disarray always dread and keep away from interpersonal communications. Some people with this disarray even dread to eat in public or any meet with the opposite sex. This may direct them to lead extremely lonesome lives. Social phobias usually show after puberty and if not treated can be even life long. “Specific phobia” is characterized by an utmost dread of something that poses slight or almost no hazard. Some of the more common specific phobias are centered around – near to animals or birds, heights (acrophobia), enclosed spaces (claustrophobia), escalators, tunnels, highway driving, water (hydrophobia), flying (pterygophobia), needles or injuries concerning blood. These phobias are more generally seen in women. The symptoms build up in childhood usually after a related shocking incident and then slowly depart. Those symptoms which continue till adulthood seldom leave without any treatment. “Agoraphobia” is characterized by dread of being unaccompanied in any place or circumstance from where get away seems to be hard or aid would be out of reach if need arises. People with agoraphobia may keep away from being on bridges, busy streets or in crowded places. Agoraphobia can render inoperative a person and can consequently, make him totally housebound. People suffering from agoraphobia frequently experience worry, ache and gloominess. Nearly two-thirds of people suffering from agoraphobia are women. The symptoms of agoraphobia generally begin in late adolescence and early adulthood. The onset of the symptoms may be abrupt or slow. Most people having agoraphobia usually get it after one or more terror attacks. 1, 3, 4, 5

Treatment of phobias may aid to lessen one’s dreads and worries and assist to better deal with the response to the thing or circumstance that causes them. The methods of treatment usually followed are being discussed. The individual motivation to expose oneself to the dreaded thing and to be able to endure the fretfulness is the most vital point in treatment of phobia. If self help techniques become unsuccessful, a person with a phobia may visit a doctor for a broad array of therapies. The best treatment for phobia is a psychological treatment called “cognitive behavioral treatment”. The cognitive part teaches people to realize the thinking patterns that give to their symptoms and to alter their feelings so that the symptoms are less likely to occur. The behavioral part gives apt stress on exposing the person to that dreaded thing or circumstance and altering particular dealings. “Exposure therapy” is also given for treatment of phobia. It is a branch of cognitive behavioral therapy which gives strain on behavior rather than thoughts. It involves starting to deal with the dread and stopping to keep away from it. The level of exposure to dread is next slowly amplified. In this manner, people discover to overcome their dreads. “Relaxation training” is given to lessen symptoms of worry. It includes breathing exercises and muscular relaxation. For some people with phobia, this can be helpful before a behavioral therapy because it helps them to offer skills which helps to lessen their worry when exposed to the dreaded thing. Nevertheless, relaxation exercise only is not enough for treating a phobia. 1, 6, 7

Medicines are rarely used for treatment of phobias. Some doctors may prescribe medicines called “benzodiazepines” to alleviate the symptoms at the early stages of a psychological treatment course. Nevertheless, these medicines can be taken just for small periods because they can show the way to reliance. At times, other drugs called “beta-blockers” are used to lessen the symptoms of worry and have been used side by side with a psychological treatment course. These medicines demonstrate to be very useful for people who suffer from stage scare, but have to present a presentation before other people. “Antidepressants” can as well lessen worry. Nevertheless, medicines only cannot be useful for treatment of phobia. 1, 7

Refer

1. http://hcd2.bupa.co.uk/fact_sheets/html/phobias.html
2. http://www2.channel4.com/health/microsites/H/health/magazine/mind/whatswrong_phobias.html
3. http://helpguide.org
4. http://noeasytask.com/anxietydisorders.htm
5. http://www.healthlinkusa.com/468a.asp
6. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/phobias/ds00272
7. http://www.wphs.ocps.net/tl/iveyc/iveyc_files/4th%20-%20IIB%20Affective,%20Schizo,%20Anx.ppt