Fear of Failure: Treatment Options

Living with the phobia, atychiphobia, or fear of failure, for some can be simple. Others, however, find that their severity of symptoms associated with their fear of failure phobia have led them to lost jobs, lost promotions, lost relationships, depression, increased anxiety, as well as the overall feeling that a loss to their quality of life can be blamed on their phobia.

In many instances, those with a fear of failure suffer greatly due to their irrational fear and anxiety associated with taking on a task that they cannot be sure they can complete to perfection. The fear of failure phobia is linked to performance anxiety as well as generalized anxiety disorders. A person with a severe case of fear of failing is often referred by a friend or doctor, and sometimes by themselves to seek medical and mental attention because of their fear. The phobia of failing can impact their lives so greatly emotionally, mentally, and even physically. It is important that those suffering from the fear of failing phobia seek mental health especially when they note that the signs and symptoms of the phobia are robbing them of their quality of life, are ruining interpersonal relationships and are holding them back from advancing in both careers and in relationships.

Treatments for People with Fear of Failure Phobia

The medical and mental professionals have come to an impasse on a true and legit way to treat those with a fear of failing phobia. No one drug has been specifically classified to treat this phobia. The same can be said for most phobias, illnesses, and conditions.

It is important to note that one of the main arguments brought forth by those opposing treating the fear of failure with medications is because these professionals believe that the drug will only mask the symptoms and will only cause the patient to further repress the root cause of their fear. On the other hand, some other mental health physicians believe in treating the patient with medications along with talk therapy.

These doctors believe that treating the symptoms with medication will help to encourage more participation during therapy and will lead the patient to a quicker recovery from their fear of failure phobia. So, depending on which physician you see, you may be treated in two different ways. One may suggest therapy based treatment only while the other may suggest drug and therapy treatment. It is up to you to determine which would be the most effective for yourself.

Medications Used for the Treatment of Fear of Failure

Since there is no specific drug that is meant only to treat the fear of failure phobia, most doctors may write off-the-label prescriptions. This is not uncommon in any medical or mental situation. The doctor may find that treating the symptoms of your fear of failing phobia will help you to gain back some quality of life and will also improve your rates of success with therapy.

The medication(s) that most doctors generally prescribe will fall in the anti-depressant and anti-anxiety categories. It will be up to you and your doctor to determine which medication is right for you. As mentioned earlier, most with the phobia of fear of failure also have anxiety issues such as Generalized Anxiety Disorder. It is likely that the doctor will help to treat your phobia with the same medications used to treat those with GAD. Your doctor will also suggest some Cognitive Behavioral therapy or talk therapy.

Treatment for Fear of Failure: Therapy

Seeing a therapist may be one of the greatest methods of treatment for those with a phobia of failing. During the therapy sessions the therapist will help the person with the phobia to look back over their life and see if a reason can be found for the phobia. Therapists for fear of failure patients often find that when the root cause of the phobia is found, then treatment can progress and the patient can overcome their fear of failure.

If you want to treat your fear of failure phobia with a mental professional you must decide which avenue is best for you. You have decisions that you can make regarding the treatment of your fear of failure, but most any mental health professional is going to highly recommend psychotherapy as the main treatment; it is also suggested by a high number of mental health experts that a combination of therapy and medication is the best route to take in overcoming your fear of failure. Find a reputable mental health professional in your area and discuss the treatment options available to you and soon you will find yourself on the path of becoming free from your fear of failure phobia.

Sources:
http://www.way2hope.org/Illnesses/atychiphobia-fear-failure.htm
http://www.way2hope.org/family-articles/fear-of-failure.htm
http://changethatsrightnow.com/fear-of-failure/