The Five Most Common Phobias

A large percent of Americans suffer from phobias. A phobia is a persistent fear of certain things. They are an emotional response learned because of difficult life experiences. You should seek treatment if you feel the phobia is impairing you in any way.

Arachnophobia

Arachnophobia is the irrational fear of spiders. Sufferers will feel uneasy in any area they suspect could harbor spiders. A panic attack can be triggered by visible signs, such as webs or the presence of spiders. A picture or drawing of a spider can evoke fear in extreme cases. It is estimated that 10% of men and 50% of women suffer from arachnophobia. Systematic desensitization is the treatment for arachnophobia. The sufferer will slowly learn to face and overcome their fear of spiders.

Social Phobia

An extreme fear of being scrutinized or judged by others is social phobia. People who suffer from social phobia will experience anxiety regarding social situations. The most common social phobia is public speaking. Physical symptoms of social phobia include nausea, dry mouth, dizziness, and hot flashes. About 5.3 million adults have social phobias. Treatment for social phobias will vary from person to person. The three different types of treatment are medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes. Therapy has been shown to work best for treating social phobias. With the help of therapy you will become more confident in your social abilities.

Aerophobia

Aerophobia is simply the fear of flying. This fear receives a lot of attention because it can be difficult to avoid air travel. People with a fear of flying will become upset and disoriented. The fear of flying is triggered by a previous traumatizing experience. Treatments include education, medication and therapy. With proper treatment, it is relatively easy to manage and beat this phobia.

Agoraphobia

Sufferers of agoraphobia have a fear of inescapable situations. This usually involves a fear of bridges, crowds and being alone. In extreme cases of agoraphobia, the sufferer may become confined to their home. Approximately 3.2 million people suffer from agoraphobia. Agoraphobia is twice as common among women. The causes are currently unknown. However, it has been linked to the presence of other anxiety disorders. Treatment is often successful and typically includes a combination of medicine and psychotherapy.

Claustrophobia

The fear of confined spaces is known as claustrophobia. Studies indicate 5-7% of the population is affected by severe claustrophobia. A claustrophobic will fear small rooms, elevators, tunnels, and cellars. When confined to an area, claustrophobics begin to fear suffocation which leads to panic attacks. There are several forms of treatment available. Treatments include behavior therapy, exposure therapy, or medicine. There is no cure but treatment will help control the condition.

Phobias may develop rapidly after a traumatic event or gradually over years. They are common and rarely cause considerable distress. If your phobia interferes with normal functioning, you should seek help.

Source: www.wikipedia.com