Phobia

Overview

Phobia is an irrational fear capable of causing anxiety and avoidance of the feared situation or object. It is one of the most common psychiatric disorders. If a phobia turns severe, it can cause a lot of distress.

Signs and Symptoms

Persistent and excessive fear elicited by a specific situation or object, Fear of losing control , Feelings of dread, Choking sensation, Difficulty breathing, Headaches, Dizziness, Nausea, Rapid heartbeat and breathing, Chills or hot flushes, Sweating, Trembling, Dry mouth, Numbness, Diarrhea

Common Causes

Early negative childhood experience such as traumatic events or stressful situations, Genetic factors such as family history of phobia, Learned behaviour if you have observed a family member's phobic reaction, Having parents who are particularly anxious, Altered brain functioning

Risk Factors

Age especially those below 10 years old, Negative childhood experience such as traumatic events or stressful situations, Learning about a negative experience, Genetic factors such as family history of phobia, Learned behaviour if you have observed a family member's phobic reaction, Having parents who are particularly anxious, People who are more sensitive or negative

Investigation Techniques

Medical, psychiatric and social history to look for signs of underlying medical condition and substance abuse, Physical examination to look for signs of underlying medical condition and substance abuse, Psychological evaluation, Comparison of symptoms to criteria in Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), Lab test for :Thyroid function tests, Fasting glucose, Calcium, 24-hour urine for 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA), Drug screen, Electrocardiography (ECG)

Treatment and Prevention

Psychotherapy such as cognitive behavioural therapy and exposure therapy, Anxiolytics or hypnotics such as benzodiazepines and beta blockers, Some cases can be prevented if parents who have phobias get treatment early and avoid having children observe their phobic reactions

Psychological Issues

Other anxiety disorders, Depression, Suicidal ideation, Substance-related disorders, Alcohol intake, Difficulties in social situations (in suspected social anxiety disorder), Irrational and out-of-proportion fear or avoidance of particular objects or situations (in suspected specific phobia), Intense anxiety reactions with exposure to specific situations (in suspected agoraphobia)