Phobia and its types

PHOBIA

A phobia is a type of anxiety disorder, defined by a 

persistent and excessive fear of an object or situation. 

The phobia typically results

in a rapid onset of fear and 

is present for more than six months.

A phobia is also a natural part of development. many people go through a phase where they are scared of the dark or are scared of strangers. Phobia can run in families with evidence of a genetic connection.

TYPES OF PHOBIAS

There are three types of phobia recognized by the American Psychiatric Association (APA). These include: 

• Specific phobia: This is an intense, irrational fear of a specific trigger.

Specific phobias are known as simple phobias as they can be linked to an identifiable cause that may not frequently occur in the everyday life of an individual, such as snakes. These are therefore not likely to affect day-to-day living in a significant way.

• Social phobia, or social anxiety: This is a profound fear of public humiliation and being singled out or judged by others in a social situation. The idea of large social gatherings is terrifying for someone with social anxiety. It is not the same as shyness.

• Agoraphobia: This is a fear of situations from which it would be difficult to escape if a person were to experience extreme panic, such being in a lift or being outside of the home. It is commonly misunderstood as a fear of open spaces but could also apply to being confined in a small space, such as an elevator, or being on public transport. People with agoraphobia have an increased risk of panic disorder.

Social anxiety and agoraphobia are known as complex phobias, as their triggers are less easily recognized. People with complex phobias can also find it harder to avoid triggers, such as leaving the house or being in a large crowd.

How the brain works during a phobia

Some areas of the brain store and recall dangerous or potentially deadly events.

If a person faces a similar event later on in life, those areas of the brain retrieve the stressful memory, sometimes more than once. This causes the body to experience the same reaction.

In a phobia, the areas of the brain that deal with fear and stress keep retrieving the frightening event inappropriately.

Researchers have found that phobias are often linked to the amygdala, which lies behind the pituitary gland in the brain. The amygdala can trigger the release of "fight-or-flight" hormones. These put the body and mind in a highly alert and stressed state.

HOW TO TREAT PHOBIA MEDICINALLY

The following medications are effective for the treatment of phobias.

• Beta blockers: These can help reduce the physical signs of anxiety that can accompany a phobia.

Side effects may include an upset stomach, fatigue, insomnia, and cold fingers.

• Antidepressants: Serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are commonly prescribed for people with phobias. They affect serotonin levels in the brain, and this can result in better moods.

SSRIs may initially cause nausea, sleeping problems, and headaches.

If the SSRI does not work, the doctor may prescribe a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) for social phobia. Individuals on an MAOI may have to avoid certain types of food. Side effects may initially include dizziness, an upset stomach, restlessness, headaches, and insomnia.

• Taking a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA), such as clomipramine, or Anafranil, has also been found to help phobia symptoms. Initial side effects can include sleepiness, blurred vision, constipation, urination difficulties, irregular heartbeat, dry mouth, and tremors.

• Tranquilizers: Benzodiazepines are an example of a tranquilizer that might be prescribed for a phobia. These may help reduce anxiety symptoms. People with a history of alcohol dependence should not be given sedatives.