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 Phobias  There are three main types of phobias: Specific phobia is an extreme fear of an object or situation that is generally not harmful. People with a specific phobia know the fear is extreme, but cannot overcome it. Examples are fear of flying, snakes, heights, escalators, water, tunnels and animals. Specific phobias affect an estimated 19.2 million, or 8.7 percent adult Americans and are twice as common in women as in men. Causes of specific phobias are not well understood, though evidence exists that they may run in families. Specific phobias usually first appear during childhood or adolescence and tend to persist into adulthood. If the object of the fear is easy to avoid, people with specific phobias may not seek treatment. Sometimes, though, they may make important career or personal decisions to avoid a phobic situation, and if this avoidance is carried to extreme lengths, it can be disabling. Specific phobias are highly treatable with carefully targeted psychotherapy. Social phobia (also called social anxiety disorder) is an extreme anxiety or discomfort about being embarrassed or shunned in social or performance situations. Examples are fear of public speaking, meeting people or using public restrooms. Social phobia may be so severe that it interferes with work, school and other ordinary activities. While many people with social phobia recognize that their fear may be excessive or unreasonable, they are unable to overcome it. They often worry for days or weeks in advance of a dreaded situation. Physical symptoms associated with social phobia include blushing, profuse sweating, trembling, nausea, and difficulty talking. Social phobia affects about 15 million, or 6.8 percent adult Americans, with women and men equally likely to develop the condition. The disorder usually begins in childhood or early adolescence, with some evidence that genetic factors are involved. Social phobia often occurs with other anxiety disorders or depression. Substance abuse or dependence may develop in individuals who attempt to "self-medicate" their social phobia by drinking or using drugs. Social phobia can be treated successfully with carefully targeted psychotherapy or medications. Agoraphobia is a fear of being in situations where escape may be difficult or help might not be available in the event of panic symptoms, affecting 1.8 million or 0.8 percent Americans. People with untreated agoraphobia may be so terrified they refuse to leave their house. |
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