Specific Phobias

Anxiety is a normal part of life. People experience anxiety in different situations throughout the day. In many cases, people can manage their anxiety and continue to function. However, some people experience anxiety that can negatively affect their functioning and quality of life. 

Anxiety disorders are mental health conditions that cause intense anxiety symptoms. Phobias are one type of anxiety disorder. A phobia causes people to feel extreme, irrational fear about objects or situations that are not dangerous.

Phobias can keep people from living full, healthy lives. They may restructure their lives to avoid certain situations, living creatures, or objects, which can impact their emotions, behaviors, and functioning in many ways. 

This article will explore phobias. You will learn:

• What causes phobias
• The symptoms of phobias
• Common specific phobias
• How to treat phobias
• Where to find mental health treatment

If you or someone in your life lives with a phobia or another mental health condition, you are not alone. Contact the Agape Behavioral specialists to explore our treatment programs or schedule an appointment. 

What is a Phobia?

A phobia is a type of anxiety disorder. People with phobias experience intense panic, fear, and dread related to a place, object, living creature, or situation. People may experience panic attacks, impaired functioning, and other adverse side effect when exposed to the source of their phobia.

According to the American Psychiatric Association (APA), phobias fall into three categories.

Specific phobias

People with specific phobias experience irrational, intense fear of a particular trigger. Common specific phobias include:

• Claustrophobia: the fear of enclosed or restricted spaces
• Zoophobia: the fear of animals
• Hypochondria: the fear of getting sick
• Acrophobia: the fear of heights
• Arachnophobia: the fear of spiders
• Aerophobia: the fear of flying
• Blood, injury, and injection (BII) phobia: the fear of injuries or procedures involving blood

People with these and other common specific phobias may be able to avoid their triggers with minimal daily disruption. However, when faced with these triggers, they may experience intense anxiety reactions that temporarily impact functioning. 

Agoraphobia

Agoraphobia is the fear of situations where it would be difficult to escape if panic symptoms developed. Triggering situations include being in an elevator and a public space, such as a bus or grocery store. People with agoraphobia have a higher risk of panic disorder. 

Social phobia

Social phobia–also known as social anxiety–is a deep fear of being singled out, judged, or embarrassed in social situations. It is different from feeling shy. People with social phobia feel intense anxiety at the idea of large social gatherings or crowded public places. 

Research indicates that about 19 million people in the United States live with a phobia. Phobias are diagnosable and treatable.  

What Causes Phobias?

Most people develop symptoms of a phobia before the age of 30. Most notice symptoms during early childhood, adolescence, or early adulthood. Researchers believe there are several potential causes of phobias. Here is an overview of the possible causes of different types of phobia.

Complex phobias

Researchers believe complex phobias may have complex roots in a person’s biology, experiences, and genetics. Some researchers also propose that these phobias could be a “leftover” from human’s earliest days when unknown open spaces may have been more threatening to people’s safety. 

Specific phobias

People typically develop specific phobias between four and eight years old. Researchers think phobias can develop as the result of a traumatic experience during early childhood. 

Researchers also believe that children can develop phobias as a result of witnessing a parent or family member with a phobia. For example, a child whose mother has a phobia of snakes may develop the same phobia later on.

Symptoms of Phobias

People with phobias experience symptoms that may interfere with functioning and daily life activities. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), common symptoms people with phobias experience include:

• Knowing that the fear they experience is irrational but being unable to control their fear response
• Not being able to function when exposed to their trigger
• Intense fear and uncontrollable anxiety when exposed to a situation, object, living creature, or location
• An intense desire to avoid the trigger at all costs

People may experience anxiety symptoms when phobias trigger their fear response. These symptoms include:

• Trembling
• Elevated heart rate
• A sensation of pins and needles
• Dry mouth
• Tightness or pain in the chest
• Abnormal breathing
• A feeling of choking or tightness in the throat
• Hot flushes
• Chills
• Confusion
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Nausea
• Sweating

People may experience some of these symptoms just by thinking of the source of their phobia. These symptoms can cause people to restructure their lives to avoid the source of their fear. People with phobias who experience debilitating fear or anxiety can benefit from working with a mental health professional to overcome this condition.

Treatment for Phobias

In some cases, people do not require treatment for their phobia. Some people may be able to avoid their triggers. For example, someone with a phobia of heights may simply avoid situations where they are up high as much as possible. 

However, some people live with phobias and cannot avoid their triggers. People with social phobia may suffer intense daily anxiety and impairment because of this condition. 

Treatment for phobias includes:

• Proper diagnosis
• Talking therapies
• Exposure therapy
• Medications

Working with a licensed mental health professional is essential to ensure you receive effective, comprehensive treatment. 

Find Mental Health Treatment

If you or someone you love lives with a phobia or another mental health condition, you are not alone. Contact the Agape Behavioral specialists to explore our holistic treatment and support programs. Reach out with questions, to verify your insurance, or to schedule an intake appointment. 

References:

1. American Psychiatric Association (APA): What are Anxiety Disorders?
2. National Institute of Health (NIH): Specific phobias
3. Science Direct: Specific phobias