Whenever we are afraid of something or do not like it, it is common to say that we have a phobia of it. In truth, however, a phobia is much more than a simple fear or sense of disdain. A phobia is an unreasonable, excessive, and irrational amount of fear related to a specific object or situation. For people with a specific phobia, they may go to great lengths to avoid exposure to, the depiction of, or even the mention of these objects or situations.
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For many people with a specific phobia, the mention, sight, or anticipation of the feared object or event will trigger great fear, discomfort, or anxiety. In some cases, it can even result in panic attacks. Most people with phobias realize that they are unrealistic but still find it hard to control the fear and anxiety and will do almost anything to avoid exposure. For some patients, this avoidance is extreme enough that a patient will risk their health or impede their ability to function in order to evade being confronted with the object of the phobia.
It is estimated that 19.2 million American adults suffer from a specific phobia. This equates roughly 8.7 percent of the adult population of the United States. Specific phobias often start during childhood, with the average age of onset being around seven years.
What Are the Types of Specific Phobias?
There are a total of five different categories that a specific phobia can fall into. These categories are offered by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, or the DSM, which is the text used in the diagnosis of any mental health condition. The five categories of specific phobias are as follows:
Animal Type
o Fear of specific animals, such as spiders, birds, snakes, dogs, etc.
Natural Environment Type
o Fear of naturally occurring phenomenon, such as heights, lightning, thunderstorms, aging, etc.
Situational Type
o Fear of specific situations or instances, such as small spaces, a fear of bridges, or a fear of the dark
Blood, Injection, or Injury type
o Fear of specific injuries or medical procedures, such as fear of needles, blood, or injections
Other
o Fears that do not fall into the above categories, such as fear of specific numbers, a fear of loud sounds, or a fear of clowns
What Are the Symptoms of Specific Phobias?
Specific phobias can create an array of symptoms when the patient is exposed to the source of the phobia, or in some cases, even the thought, mention, or depiction of it. Symptoms of specific phobias include the following:
- Excessive fear
- A feeling of panic or distress
- The need to avoid certain places or situations
- Dizziness, lightheadedness, or other panic symptoms when confronted with the situation or object or the idea of it
- Anxiety
What Causes Specific Phobias?
There are many factors that can lead to the development of a specific phobia. Studies show that women are approximately twice as likely to develop phobias as men. Phobias are most common among children, though they can develop in adults as well. Research shows that childhood phobias are much more likely to resolve over time without treatment. Only about one in five specific phobias that begin in adulthood resolve without treatment.
In many cases, a specific phobia results from a traumatic experience. For example, someone who is bitten by a dog or who witnesses someone being bitten by a dog may develop a phobia of dogs. People who survive traumatic car accidents often develop a phobia of riding in a car.
It is also possible to develop a phobia from hearing or reading about traumatic events. In the wake of September 11th, for example, many people have developed a fear of flying on airplanes. It is important to note, however, that many people with specific phobias cannot identify a triggering event or specific cause for the fear. Regardless of whether or not a specific cause can be found, the prognosis for specific phobias is generally very excellent.
How Are Specific Phobias Treated?
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For many people with specific phobias, fear can lead to a diminished quality of and control over life. When a phobia limits social activities and interactions, affects health and safety, or impacts occupational and career goals, treatment is essential. Specific phobias can be treated effectively and are treated without the need for medication, and a majority of specific phobias are able to be completely resolved with therapy. In fact, phobias are among the few anxiety disorders for which medication is rarely chosen as part of treatment.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is especially effective in treating specific phobias. This treatment targets dysfunctional ways of thinking and patterns that allow the patient to keep experiencing anxiety when confronted with the object of situation that is the source of the phobia. This therapy helps replace these thought patterns with more realistic ways of thinking, which will help build a more functional pattern of response.
Behavioral therapy is also a common part of treatment for people with a specific phobia. This treatment helps to modify specific fear related behaviors. This includes learning relaxation and breathing techniques as well as gradual exposure. Exposure therapy is an essential part of therapy for people with a specific phobia. In most cases, the patient is first asked to imagine confrontation with the thing or situation that they are afraid of so that they can utilize relaxation techniques and realistic ways of thinking. As anxiety decreases upon imagined contact with the thing or situation, direct confrontation or exposure is usually suggested.
Summary
A specific phobia is actually quite common. Studies show that more than eight percent of the population experiences a specific phobia at some point in their lives. These phobias can often be easily treated, and seeking the help of a mental health professional can help you stop symptoms and regain control over your phobia.
Could I Have a Specific Phobia?
Specific phobias are among the easiest anxiety disorders to effectively treat and resolve. If you believe that your fear may actually be a phobia, it could offer you great benefit to speak with a mental health professional. The following questions can help you know if your fear may, in fact, be a phobia.
Do you have a persistent fear of the presence or anticipation of a specific object or situation?
Does exposure to the specific object or situation result in immediate anxiety or even a panic attack?
Do you recognize that your fear is irrational or out of proportion with reality?
Do you avoid the phobic object or situation or endure it with great anxiety and distress?
Does the distress you experience in the feared situation interfere greatly with your normal routine, your occupation, your relationships, or your social functioning?
Have you experienced this phobia for more than six months?
If you have answered yes to some or all of these questions, it can offer you benefit to speak to a mental health professional. Treatment for specific phobia is quite effective.