Phobia - simple/specific

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Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Fears and phobias

Overview

Symptoms

Treatment

Prevention

Phobia - simple/specific

Treatment:

The goal of treatment is to help the person function effectively. The success of the treatment usually depends on the severity of the phobia.

Systematic desensitization is a technique used to treat phobias. The person is asked to relax, then imagine the components of the phobia, working from the least fearful to the most fearful. Graded real-life exposure has also been used with success to help people overcome their fears.

Anti-anxiety and antidepressant medications are sometimes used to help relieve the symptoms associated with phobias. However, some anti-anxiety medications, such as benzodiazepines, may cause physical dependence.

Phobia clinics and group therapy are available in some areas to help people deal with common phobias, such as a fear of flying.

Expectations (prognosis):

Phobias tend to be chronic, but can respond to treatment.

Complications:

Some phobias may have consequences that affect job performance or social functioning. Some medications can cause dependence.

Calling your health care provider:

Call for an appointment with your health care provider or a mental health professional if a simple phobia is interfering with life activities.

Review Date: 12/1/2004
Reviewed By: James W. Dilley, M.D., Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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