FEARS AND PHOBIAS
A phobia is a type of anxiety disorder. It is a strong, irrational fear of something that poses little or no actual danger.
There are over 500 listed phobias.
For example, Acrophobia is a fear of heights. You may be able to ski the world’s tallest mountains, but be unable to go above the 5th floor of an office building. Other common ones are Agoraphobia – a fear of public places, and Claustrophobia – a fear of closed-in places.
If you become anxious and extremely self-conscious in everyday social situations, you could have a social phobia. Other common phobias involve tunnels, highway driving, water, flying, animals, and blood.
Phobias are largely underreported, probably because many phobia sufferers find ways to avoid the situations of which they are phobic.
In western countries, phobias strike 7 - 13% of the population. Women tend to be twice as likely to suffer from a phobia compared to men.
While there is no specific known cause for phobias, it is thought that phobias run in families, are influenced by culture and how one is parented, and can be triggered by life events.
Symptoms of phobias often involve having a panic attack, in that they include feelings of panic, dread, or terror, despite recognition that those feelings are excessive in relationship to any real danger.
People often experience physical symptoms such as shaking, sweating, trouble thinking clearly, nausea, rapid heart beat, trouble breathing, and an overwhelming desire to escape the situation that is causing the phobic reaction. Also, extreme measures are sometimes taken to avoid or escape the situation.
Hypnosis is one of the most effective treatments for phobias, especially when it is combined with Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Psychotherapy.