Phobias

The different types of phobias are:

• Specific phobia: Fear linked to a particular object or situation (e.g., spiders, flying, injections).
• Social phobia (Social anxiety disorder): Fear of being judged, embarrassed, or humiliated in social situations.
• Agoraphobia: Fear of being in situations where escape might be difficult, such as open spaces, public transport, or crowded places.

Symptoms of phobia include:

• Anxiety when facing or even thinking about the feared object/situation
• Avoiding daily activities to escape triggers
• Physical symptoms:
  • Sweating
  • Shortness of breath
  • Tremor
  • Shaking
  • Increased heartrate

Causes of phobias include the following:

• Genetics: Having a family history of anxiety disorders may be a risk factor.
• Environmental factors: Traumatic events (e.g., a bad experience with dogs leading to dog phobia) or learned behaviours from parents/peers can contribute.

A doctor or mental health professional may diagnose phobia through:

• Detailed history: Looking for persistent, overwhelming fear lasting more than 6 months.
• Behavioural assessment: Checking avoidance patterns and how fear affects daily life.
• Diagnosing underlying mental health conditions: To rule out underlying disorders like generalised anxiety disorder or panic disorder.

Phobias can be treated using:

• Exposure therapy: Gradually and safely exposing a person to the feared situation/object to reduce fear.
• Mindful therapy: Relaxation techniques to reduce anxiety symptoms and improve coping.
• Medications: Anti-anxiety or antidepressant medicines may be prescribed for severe cases.
• Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT): Helps change negative thought patterns linked to the phobia.

Patients are advised to seek medical help if:

• Fear or avoidance interferes with school, work, or relationships.
• The phobia leads to panic attacks or severe anxiety.
• You feel unable to manage daily tasks due to overwhelming fear.

Phobias cannot always be prevented, but their impact can be reduced by:

• Seeking help early if fears are becoming unmanageable.
• Practicing stress management techniques (deep breathing, meditation, exercise).
• Building coping strategies through therapy before fears worsen.

For management of phobias, patients may consult a Psychiatrist (for diagnosis and medication) or Psychologist/Therapist (for counselling and psychotherapy).