Therapy often helps reduce phobia effects

During the last several weeks I have been discussing phobias, anxiety disorders characterized by irrational and intense fear.

To recap the kinds of phobias we have discussed, they are:

• Social phobias – a fear of scrutiny from others in public places. The problem can isolate a person to a life of loneliness.

Those with social phobias frequently suffer from lowered self-esteem and beliefs that others consider them objects of ridicule.

• Simple and specific phobias – characterized by fears of specific things or situations, such as storms, heights, animal, blood, etc.

The diagnosis of simple phobia is made if the avoidant behavior produced by the fear interferes with the person’s normal routine, usual social activities or relationships, or there is intense distress and uneasiness associated with the fear.

• Agoraphobia – chronic anxiety associated with fear of open or closed places, crowded places, unfamiliar places, being alone or feeling trapped.

Phobias are among the most significant emotional disorders experienced by individuals. It is estimated that more than 12 percent of the population may have phobic disorders.

These phobias may come and go and not be noticed by anyone other than the sufferer, but if they persist over time, they often lead to associated depression.

Fortunately, professional help has made great strides during the last several decades in treating phobias and other anxiety disorders.

Some current treatment methods are:

• Psychotherapy. Behavioral therapies include stress management and exposure to the feared object or situation coupled with relaxation procedures to diminish the anxiety. Cognitive-behavior therapy helps correct distorted and irrational thoughts. In group therapy, individuals help each other explore alternatives to anxiety. One of the cornerstones of this approach is helping the patient regain confidence in his or her ability to control the anxiety through self-control procedures.

Psychotherapeutic techniques can help phobics deal with the “anticipatory anxiety,” which is found in many forms of phobia. Phobic sufferers readily relate to the need to battle the “fear of the fear.”

Social skills training, such as role playing and assertiveness training can also help.

• Psychotropic medications can often speed up the process of recovery. These should be prescribed by professionals trained in the treatment of phobias and anxiety disorders. There are now a number of medications available for these problems.

The Anxiety Disorders Association of America (ADAA) offers information and help for people with anxiety disorders and related conditions.

They can be contacted by writing Anxiety Disorders Association of America, Department B, PO 96505, Washington, D.C. 20077-7140, or calling 301-231-9350.

Anxiety disorders are treated by a variety of health professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, clinical social workers, and psychiatric nurses.

Copyright c 1994 Harold H. LeCrone, Jr., Ph.D.