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Phobia - simple/specific

Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Fears and phobias
Fears and phobias

Definition    Return to top

A phobia is a persistent and irrational fear of a particular type of object, animal, activity, or situation.

Causes    Return to top

Specific phobias are a type of anxiety disorder in which exposure to the feared stimulus may provoke extreme anxiety or a panic attack. Specific phobias are among the most common of all psychiatric disorders, affecting up to 10% of the population.

Common phobias include the fear of:

People with specific phobias often realize their fear is irrational, but are unable to prevent it.

Symptoms    Return to top

Exams and Tests    Return to top

The health care provider will ask about your history of phobia, and will get a description of the behavior from you, your family, and friends.

Signs include:

Treatment    Return to top

The goal of treatment is to help you function effectively. The success of the treatment usually depends on the severity of the phobia.

Systematic desensitization is a technique used to treat phobias. You are asked to relax, then imagine the components of the phobia, working from the least fearful to the most fearful. Gradual exposure to the real-life situation has also been used with success to help people overcome their fears.

Anti-anxiety and antidepressant medications are sometimes used to help relieve the symptoms of phobias. Phobia clinics and group therapy are available in some areas to help people deal with common phobias, such as a fear of flying.

Outlook (Prognosis)    Return to top

Phobias tend to be chronic, but they can respond to treatment.

Possible Complications    Return to top

Some phobias may have consequences that affect job performance or social functioning. Some anti-anxiety medications used to treat phobias, such as benzodiazepines, may cause physical dependence.

When to Contact a Medical Professional    Return to top

Call for an appointment with your health care provider or a mental health professional if a simple phobia is interfering with life activities.

References    Return to top

Moore DP, Jefferson JW. Specific phobia. In: Moore DP, Jefferson JW, eds. Handbook of Medical Psychiatry. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier;2004:chap 85.

Katon W, Geyman JP. Anxiety disorders. In: Rakel RE, ed. Textbook of Family Medicine. 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa:Saunders Elsevier;2007:chap 57.

Update Date: 12/15/2008

Updated by: Linda Vorvick, MD, Family Physician, Seattle Site Coordinator, Lecturer, Pathophysiology, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine; and Timothy A. Rogge, MD, private practice in Psychiatry, Kirkland, Washington. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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