Phobias
Overview
A phobia is an overwhelming and debilitating fear of an object, place, situation, feeling or animal.
Symptoms
Overwhelming fear of object/situation (e.g. spiders, heights). Panic attacks; sweating; rapid heart beat.
Causes
Trauma; Learned behaviour; Genetics. Simple (spiders) or Complex (Agoraphobia).
Treatment
Exposure therapy (Desensitisation); CBT; Medication (Beta-blockers/Antidepressants).
Prevention
Early exposure/treatment.
When to see a doctor
See GP if: phobia affects daily life.