It is a type of anxiety disorder defined by a persistent and excessive fear of an object or situation. Phobias typically result in rapid onset of fear.it is connected to something specific. It is very interesting to know about the symptoms of phobia.
CAUSES:
- Some genetic and environmental factors are responsible for phobias.
- Past incidents or traumas.
- Factors in your childhood environment
- Long-term stress.
- Substance abuse and depression are also connected to phobia.
DIFFERENT KINDS OF PHOBIAS-
NYCTOPHOBIA
It is a fear of the darkness. It almost begins as a typical childhood fear.when it progresses past adolescence, it is considered a phobia.
CLAUSTROPHOBIA
It is a fear of tight or enclosed areas.it prevents a person from the use of lifts or riding in cars.
ACROPHOBIA
It is the fear of heights.it prevents a person from going to mountains, bridges, or the higher floors of buildings.
Symptoms include-
- Vertigo
- Dizziness
- Sweating
- unconsciousness
AVIOPHOBIA
It is also known as fear of flying.
CYNOPHOBIA
It is a fear of dogs.
OPHIDIOPHOBIA
It is a fear of snakes.
GLOSSOPHOBIA
It is the fear of speaking in public. treatment of glossophobia includes either therapy or medication.
HEMOPHOBIA
It is a phobia of blood or injury. A person with hemophobia may faint when they come in contact with their own blood or another person’s blood.
SOCIAL PHOBIA:
Social phobia is a type of anxiety disorder. people who have social phobia experience extreme and persistent anxiety associated with social or performance situations.
People with social phobia fear and avoid specific situations, while others may feel anxiety about certain social situations.
SYMPTOMS OF SOCIAL PHOBIA INCLUDES:
- BLUSHING
- Trembling
- Increased heart rate
- Nausea
- Dry throat
- Stomach pain
- Lightheadedness
- Negative thoughts
- Tense muscles
- Sweaty palms
Treatment includes
- Cognitive behavior therapy
- Anxiety management techniques
- Social skills training
- medication
RISK FACTORS
People with a genetic predisposition to anxiety may be at high risk of developing a phobia. Age, socioeconomic status, and gender seem to be risk factors only for certain phobias. For example, women are more likely to have animal phobias. Children or people with low socioeconomic status are more likely to have social phobias.
SYMPTOMS OF PHOBIAS
The most common and disabling symptom of a phobia is a panic attack. features include:
- Pounding or racing heart.
- Shortness of breath
- Rapid speech or inability to speak
- Dry mouth
- Upset stomach
- Nausea
- Elevated blood sugar
- Trembling or shaking
- Chest pain or tightness
- A choking sensation
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Profuse sweating
- A sense of impending doom
TREATMENT OPTIONS
Cognitive behavior therapy
It is the most commonly used therapeutic treatment of phobias.it involves exposure to the source of the fear in a controlled setting.it focuses on identifying and changing negative thoughts.
MEDICATION
ANTIDEPRESSANTS AND ANTI ANXIETY medication can help calm emotional and physical reactions to fear.
Examples of antidepressants are Lexapro, sertraline, citalopram.
Antianxiety drugs: benzodiazepines, buspirone, propranolol, barbiturates.