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Phobias

A. JABBAR DENTAL CLINIC

Sadia Khan

Overview

Phobias are a type of <a href="https://merisehat.pk/disease/anxiety">anxiety</a> disorder characterized by an excessive and irrational fear of specific objects, situations, or activities. 
&nbsp;

While phobias can affect a person of any age, the condition usually presents itself during early childhood, teenage, and early adulthood. For instance, specific phobias tend to develop before 4-8 years.<a href="#accordion">[1]</a>

Some phobias that occur between the ages of 5 and 9 are short-lived. While those that occur later in life, particularly affecting young adults, are long-lasting and require professional intervention. Nearly 80% of new phobias in adults lead to chronic issues.<a href="#accordion">[2]</a> 
&nbsp;

Approximately 19 million Americans experience one or more phobias ranging from mild to severe in their lives.<a href="#accordion">[3]</a> However, phobias are not very common.<a href="#accordion">[4]</a>

Globally, the prevalence rate is 2-6%, with 3-9% of children and 3-5% of older adults developing specific phobias.<a href="#accordion">[4]</a> 
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According to the American Psychiatric Association (APA), the major types of phobias are:

<ul>
	<li>Specific Phobias (Simple Phobias) &ndash; These involve an extreme fear of specific objects. It is further categorized into natural environment, situations, animals, and medical treatment.</li>
	<li>Social Phobias (Complex Phobias) &ndash; This involves significant discomfort or anxiety related to fear of being embarrassed or humiliated socially, as often occurs when eating in public, dealing with authority figures, and using public restrooms.</li>
	<li>Agoraphobia (Complex Phobias) &ndash; This involves a fear of having a panic attack in situations where escape might be difficult. 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Sign and Symptoms

A person with phobias may exhibit the following symptoms:

<ul>
	<li>Uncontrollable anxiety when exposed to the trigger</li>
	<li>Anxiety-related physical symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, trembling, sweating, dry mouth, and shortness of breath</li>
	<li>Acknowledgement that the fear is irrational and exaggerated, but is unable to control it</li>
	<li>Avoidance of the activity or situation that triggers</li>
	<li>Persistent and excessive fear, which is unreasonable given the actual threat posed by the phobic stimulus</li>
</ul>

Children may freeze, throw tantrums, cry, or exhibit clingy behavior in the presence of a particular trigger.<a href="#accordion">[6]</a> 
&nbsp;

Causes

The exact cause of phobias is not known. A combination of various factors is likely responsible for triggering the condition.

<ul>
	<li>Genetic Predisposition: If an individual has a close relative with an anxiety disorder, it increases their risk of developing it too.</li>
	<li>Environmental Factors: Distressing experiences, such as childhood abuse, witnessing a traumatic event, learned fears, or an extremely bad first encounter, can contribute to the development of phobias.</li>
	<li>Underlying Conditions: Certain health concerns, like depression and traumatic brain injuries, may cause people to develop phobias. 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Diagnosis

A psychologist or a psychiatrist may diagnose phobias after talking to their patient. The diagnosis of a phobia does not require lab or imaging tests. Healthcare professionals usually follow specific questionnaires.

After a thorough evaluation of the individual&#39;s symptoms, medical history, and any potential triggers for the phobia. Diagnosis is then based on the criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). 
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Treatment

Treatment of phobias is relatively easy given that people who have them are aware that it is a disorder.

Typically, most people manage it by avoiding the triggers to stay in control. This approach helps if the phobia does not cause severe problems or interfere with their daily routines. 
&nbsp;

However, it is not possible to avoid multiple sources of fear, like in the case of a complex phobia. In that case, it helps to get counseling from a mental health professional.<a href="#accordion">[1]</a>

They can tailor the treatment, including psychotherapy, medications, or a combination of both, depending on the type of phobia, the severity of symptoms, and factors like lifestyle and preferences.

<ul>
	<li>Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This is one of the many therapeutic options available to treat a phobia. It helps the patient understand and learn coping techniques to deal with their thoughts and feelings.</li>
	<li>Medication: Beta-blockers, antidepressants (e.g., SSRIs), and tranquilizers (e.g., benzodiazepines) are effective treatment options.<a href="#accordion">[1]</a></li>
	<li>Self-Help Strategies: Relaxation techniques and lifestyle changes help manage anxiety associated with phobias. 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

It can severely affect the individual&rsquo;s mental and physical health, including impairment in social and occupational functioning.

This leads to:<a href="#accordion">[5]</a>

<ul>
	<li>Social isolation</li>
	<li>Substance misuse</li>
	<li>Suicide</li>
	<li>Mood disorders 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

The following factors make a person more prone to phobias:

<ul>
	<li>Age; specific phobias usually appear by age 10</li>
	<li>Watching how a family member reacts to an object or a situation or learning about bad experiences</li>
	<li>Sensitivity to anxiety, pessimism, or a reserved nature</li>
	<li>Women are more likely to experience certain types of phobias 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

There is no way to prevent or reduce the risk of developing a phobia. They are unpredictable and vary widely from one individual to the next. 
&nbsp;

Key Points

<ul>
	<li>Phobias are a type of anxiety disorder characterized by an excessive and irrational fear of specific objects, situations, or activities.</li>
	<li>They can be categorized into specific phobias, social phobias, and agoraphobia.</li>
	<li>Treatment options include CBT, medications, and self-help strategies.</li>
	<li>Complications of phobias include impairment in social and occupational functioning and increased risk of comorbid mental health conditions.</li>
	<li>Risk factors for phobias include age, sex, and greater sensitivity to anxiety.</li>
</ul>

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