An estimated 9.1% of Americans have a specific phobia, 7.1% have a social phobia, and 0.9% have agoraphobia. A phobia is a type of anxiety disorder of persistent, irritational fear of an object or situation. Phobias should not be confused with having a fear of something, which is typical. Unlike a fear, a phobia will cause tremendous anxiety and often disrupt an individual's everyday life. As a result, it's essential to seek professional help for the diagnosis and treatment of phobias.
Types of Phobias
The American Psychiatric Association (APA) identifies three main categories of phobias:
Simple (Specific) Phobias: Those which focus on a specific object
Social Phobias: Causes extreme anxiety and panic in social settings
Agoraphobia: The fear of being alone in public spaces from which there is no easily identifiable escape
Signs of a Phobia
There is usually both an emotional and a physical reaction to a phobia. Some of the common symptoms are:
Physical:
Difficulty breathing
Pounding heart
Chest tightness or pain
Trembling
Feeling dizzy or light-headed
A churning stomach
Hot or cold flashes
Tingling sensations
Sweating
Emotional:
Feeling an intense need to escape
A surge of panic or anxiety
Detaching from yourself
Fear of losing control
Knowing that you're overacting but being unable to stop
When to Seek Help
It can be challenging to identify a phobia is more than just a fear. However, it's essential to get professional help for phobias as they can continue to grow and potentially negatively interfere with your life. Some of the signs that it's time to seek help are:
It causes intense and disabling anxiety or panic
You avoid certain situations, places, events, or people
You know that the fear is unreasonable
It's disrupting your regular routine
You've been experiencing the phobia for at least six months
A psychiatrist will help you diagnose the disorder, prescribe medication (if necessary), and teach you coping tools to handle the phobia on a day-to-day basis.
Williamsville Psychiatrist: Your Top Psychiatrist in Buffalo
If you suspect you might be dealing with a phobia, contact Williamsville Psychiatrist for help. Our professional clinic is here to help you get the diagnosis and treatment you need, so you can regain control of your life.