Treatment For Phobias

Mar 17
08:42

2008

Juliet Cohen

Juliet Cohen

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phobias were the most common mental illness among women in all age groups and the second most common illness among men older than 25.

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A phobia is a type of anxiety disorder. It is a strong,Treatment For Phobias Articles irrational fear of something that poses little or no actual danger. A phobia is a constant, extreme or irrational fear of an animal, object, place or situation that wouldn't normally worry the majority of people. A phobia is when you have an overwhelming need to avoid any contact with the specific cause of the anxiety or fear. Each year, 7.8% of American adults suffer from a phobia.

In fact, phobias are the most common psychological disorder women and the second most common disorder among men over 25. Phobias are divided into two types. Simple phobias type is about a single object, situation, or activity. Complex Phobias involves several anxieties, including fear of entering shops, crowds, and public places, or of travelling in trains, buses, or planes. Social phobia is another complex phobia. Social phobia is a fear of social e.g. a wedding, or performance situations e.g. public speaking. 1 to 2 % of men and women have a social phobia and it is usually linked to low self-esteem and fear of criticism.

Many things and situations can cause anxiety, nervousness or fright. Anxiety disorders rarely disappear and may grow worse without appropriate treatment. Effective treatments are available that may help you to keep your fear in check. Behavioral therapy focuses on changing specific actions and uses several techniques to decreases or stop unwanted behavior. Exposure therapy involves starting to confront the fear and stopping avoiding it. The best treatment for phobia is a psychological treatment called cognitive behavioural therapy. Medication may be used according to individual need and symptoms.

It is sometimes used in addition to psychological therapy. Antidepressants can be effective for severe social phobia. Antidepressants or tranquillisers (benzodiazepines) may be recommended for agoraphobia. Some doctors may prescribe medicines called benzodiazepines (such as diazepam, also known as Valium) to ease symptoms in the initial stages of a psychological programme. However, these can only be taken for short periods because they can lead to dependence. Other drugs, called beta-blockers, are sometimes used to reduce the symptoms of anxiety and have also been used together with psychological treatment programmes.