How to recognize phobia and how to treat it? 19-11-2018
For there to be a phobia, that fear or anxiety that we feel toward a specific object, an animal or particular situation must be different from the normal and transient fears that we commonly see in people. It will happen immediately whenever we expose ourselves, and not sometimes; it must be very intense, exaggerated and disproportionate, and it can vary, presenting itself as a panic crisis. In addition, we can feel the fear just by imagining what we are so afraid of or just by seeing it in a painting, film or photograph.
Sometimes phobia develops after a traumatic event, such as being trapped in an elevator, being bitten by a dog; also watching others suffer traumatic events or watching tragic news on television, but nevertheless many people with phobia do not remember the specific reason why they appeared. Typically, phobias develop between the ages of 7 and 11, but can also develop at any age.
People with specific phobia are at increased risk for other disorders, including other anxiety disorders, depressive and bipolar disorders, substance use disorders, somatic symptoms and related disorders, and personality disorders, especially dependent personality disorder (DSM-5).
Specific phobias tend to be easier to treat than social phobia. The recommended treatment is progressive desensitization through images and/or progressive exposure in real life. I can you that, in general, it is effective.
Tell me, have you developed any phobia? If you understand that you can't be alone, here I am to support you... for online or face-to-face appointments, CLICK HERE
