Specific Phobias

The phobias differ from panic disorders because phobias are connected with specific objects or situations. That is, the phobic person may fear spiders, or snakes, or flying, but does not have panic attacks "out of the blue." In this regard, the individual with a specific phobia is like the person with Agoraphobia, except that the person with agoraphobia fears more situations than the person with a specific phobia. If the phobia does not interfere significantly with the person's life, either directly or because of distress about the phobia, no diagnosis is made. People with a phobia often succeed in avoiding the phobic object (dogs, for example) and go on with their lives. A person who fears flying may not be motivated to seek treatment unless flying is a requirement in her or his occupation. However, if treatment is necessary it is likely to be successful, as several related behavioral approaches to phobia have been developed and tested. Adults with specific phobias know that their fear is excessive; children may not.

The specific phobias are divided into subtypes according to the thing feared; the animal type fears some animal (cats, dogs, and snakes are examples), the natural environment type fear some natural event (lightning, thunder, etc.), the blood injection-injury type may turn faint at the sight of a needle, the situational type might fear crossing any bridge, and the other type does not fit into any of the above categories; an example might be someone who feared straying away from the support of a wall, or was phobic about contracting HIV.

If you or someone you love has a specific phobia, you will likely find relief if you consult a mental health professional (clinician, therapist), since in general, people with these phobias respond well to treatment. A mental health professional  will conduct a thorough evaluation  to first understand what is happening and then will discuss treatment options, including medications.

There are many ways family members or loved ones can help individuals to deal with their disorder better. 

Read a book on the subject:  

Anxiety & Phobia Workbook by Edmund J. Bourne

Anxiety, Phobias, and Panic : A Step-By-Step Program for Regaining Control of Your Life by Reneau Z. Peurifoy

Visit this web site, and follow the phobias link to the APA's web site, a good starting point for more extensive research on phobias.

                                                                                                                                Last updated  12/19/03