Phobias

What is Phobia Anxiety Disorder?

Phobia anxiety disorder is an extreme irrational fear of something, someone, object or a place that is unlikely to cause harm. People with phobia anxiety disorder most times manifest a strong and irrational fear that is directed towards a specific object, person or situation. People with phobias also consistently try to avoid the feared object, person or situation because of the perceived danger that they associate with the feared object, person, or place.

Phobia is categorised into three:

1. Innate Phobias: like the fear of falling and fear of loud sound.

2. Appropriate Phobias: like the fear of obvious danger

3. Acquired (Learnt) Phobia: like most phobias many people have, including:

• Achluophobia – Fear of darkness

• Lockiophobia - Fear of childbirth

• Philophobia - Fear of love

• Agoraphobia – Fear of open spaces

• Bibliophobia – Fear of books

• Claustrophobia – Fear of confinement

• Somniphobia – Fear of sleep, etc

What are the symptoms of phobia anxiety disorder?

People experiencing the phobia anxiety disorder may experience two or more of the following:

• Sweating

• Obstructed breathing, especially during an encounter with the feared object

• Increased heartbeat

• Headaches or body aches

• Feelings of helplessness

• Trembling or body shakes, especially during encounters with the feared object

• Feelings of fainting

• Fear of losing control

• Restlessness when in contact with the feared object

What causes phobia anxiety disorder?

The causes are mostly limited to:

Biological factors such as genetics can put some people at greater risk of experiencing a phobia anxiety disorder.

Psychological factors such as exposure to traumas, learnt responses, and exposure to stressful situations.

Social factors such as growing up in specific environments can put some people at risk of developing phobia anxiety disorders.

What are the treatments for phobia anxiety disorder?

The treatment can be broadly grouped as follows:

Psychotherapy (e.g., cognitive-behavioural therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, compassion-focused therapy, etc.)

Lifestyle modification (e.g., exercise, reduction of stress, etc.)