Phobias

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There are two main categories of Phobias:

Social Phobia (social anxiety disorder)

Social Phobia is extreme anxiety and discomfort in social situations, where sufferers feel embarrassed and looked down upon. Fear of being watched and judged by others is overwhelming and although those suffering from the disorder are aware that they are acting irrationally, they are unable to control and overcome their fears.

Social Phobia can vary from fearing just one situation to fearing all situations involving other people. The disorder usually begins in childhood or adolescence and some research suggests genetic factors are involved.

Depression and other anxiety disorders often accompany social phobia. Drug and alcohol abuse are also common as the sufferer tries to temporarily overcome their disorder. With appropriate treatment however, the phobia can be dealt with.

Symptoms:

Trembling

Nausea

Difficulty talking

Profuse sweating

Blushing

Racing heart

Specific Phobia

Specific Phobia is an extreme fear of an object or situation that poses little or no actual danger. Sufferers know their fear is irrational, but they cannot control or overcome it. Facing their feared object or situation, or even just thinking about facing it, brings on severe anxiety or a panic attack.

Some common examples are closed-in places, spiders or a fear of flying. It is a fear of a particular thing rather than just extreme fear. These phobias usually begin early in the person's life and continue into adulthood. There is also evidence that the phobias may run in families.

Symptoms:

Trembling

Nausea

Profuse sweating

Racing heart

Causes

Medical Help and Treatment

Phobia Statistics:  More Statistics >>

The Office for National Statistics found that 1.9 per cent of adults in Britain experience phobias. In this study, it is shown that women are twice as likely as men to experience phobias. Other studies show widely differing rates: one author quotes two community surveys - one in Canada, giving a prevalence rate of 7.7 per cent; and another very large US survey, giving a rate of 13.3 per cent. [19]

(Statistics from Mind.org.uk)

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