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KEY POINTS
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A phobia is feeling fear or panic when you face a certain activity, event, or object. The fear is not related to being in actual danger. A phobia causes you distress or problems in your life.
There are many kinds of phobias. Some common ones are:
The exact cause of this disorder is not known. There are several theories about why some people develop phobias.
Most of the time, people have phobias about something that could be dangerous. Phobias are much more common in women than in men.
Seeing a picture, or just thinking about what you fear may make you very anxious. If you are exposed to the thing you fear, you have symptoms such as:
The fear is overwhelming. You may change your life, such as changing jobs that require you to face heights or fly on planes, if those things cause intense fear.
Your healthcare provider or therapist will ask about your symptoms. He will make sure you do not have a medical illness or drug or alcohol problem that could cause the symptoms.
Phobias can be successfully treated with psychotherapy and medicine.
Medicine
Certain medicines can be very helpful while you are learning how to confront the object of your phobia. Other medicines can also be taken right before a scary situation. Your healthcare provider will work with you to select the best medicine. You may need to take more than one type of medicine.
Therapy
One type of behavior therapy is called exposure with response prevention. For example, if you wash your hands all the time because you are afraid of germs, the therapist might have you touch something dirty. Then the two of you might stand at the sink without washing hands until the anxiety goes away. Desensitization slowly gets you used to the idea of the feared object or situation. Another therapy is called flooding. This involves overloading you with whatever it is that you are afraid of.
These therapies teach you that you can safely be around what you fear. Over time, the fear reaches a certain point and then decreases.
Other treatments
Claims have been made that certain herbal and dietary products help control anxiety symptoms. Supplements are not tested or standardized and may vary in strength and effects. They may have side effects and are not always safe. Talk with your provider before you try herbs or dietary supplements to treat your condition.
Learning ways to relax may help. Yoga, meditation, and deep breathing exercises may also be helpful. Hypnosis can also help. You may want to talk with your healthcare provider about using these methods along with medicines and psychotherapy.
Sometimes people will go to great lengths to try to deal with a phobia by themselves. It is easier and healthier to get the right treatment instead. Do not be embarrassed about asking for help.
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