Specific Phobias
Do you suffer from recurring and intense fear
reactions, but only when a certain stimulus is present? Is the fear
response irrational? If the answer is yes, you may be at risk from a
specific phobia.
What are Specific
Phobias?
As the name suggests, specific
phobia refers to a fear reaction that occurs only in the presence
of explicit triggers. About 8% of the population at any given time
suffer from a specific phobia, but very few people actually seek
help.
Phobias are categorised according to the nature of the fear
stimulus. The subtypes are:
1. Animal - Fear reactions when exposed
to certain animals or representations of animals (e.g., spiders, mice or
snakes).
2. Natural Environment - Fear reactions when exposed to
naturally occurring stimuli (e.g., heights, storms
or lightning).
3. Blood, Injection and Injury - Fear reaction
when exposed to medical procedures or the sight of blood.
4.
Situational - Fear reaction to specific situations (planes and flying,
enclosed spaces or other situations).
Symptoms of
Specific Phobias
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Intense and persistent fear reaction when in the
presence or anticipating the presence of a specific object or
situation. The fear reaction is irrational and excessive.
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When the phobic stimulus is present, it elicits
an almost immediate fear response.
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The person suffering from a specific phobia
recognises that the fear is irrational and excessive.
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The feared situation or object is avoided or
endured with intense anxiety.
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The avoidance, anxiety or the anticipation of the
feared stimulus leads to a significant impairment in overall
functioning (occupational, relationships or social activities).
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Treatment of Specific Phobias
The
treatment of specific phobias involves exposure and relaxation
training. Exposure to the feared stimulus is usually gradual,
starting with imagining what it would be like encountering a feared
situation or object. Further exposure aims to tolerate actual
situations or anxiety provoking objects, utilising relaxation and
cognitive (thinking) strategies.
Depending on the severity
and history of the presenting phobia, people show rapid improvement
after beginning treatment.
