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Specific Phobias

Having Specific Phobias is a type of anxiety disorder. This can be an extreme, irrational fear or an aversion to the phobia.  Everyone experiences fear at times. But with a phobia, you will experience dread or panic when faced with a specific object or situation. These irrational fears can affect a person’s work, relationships, schooling, and life. You might even not enjoy life anymore because of your phobia.

Having a specific phobia is different from Generalized Anxiety Disorder. A person will experience an irrational intense fear of something. Such as spiders for example.  The person might even anticipate being confronted with their phobia. They can’t control the fear that they feel towards the object or situation. A person might realize that their phobia is irrational but they can’t help feeling the dread that the fear. The object might also not pose any danger towards the individual. The individual will avoid their phobia at all costs. Living like this can be extremely debilitating. The person can suffer extreme anxiety because of their specific phobia.

Specific Phobia Facts

  • circle3 5% of children suffer from a specific phobia
  • circle3 16% of 13-17 years olds suffer from specific phobias
  • circle3 3%-5% of older individuals suffer from specific phobias
  • circle3 Women are more likely to have a specific phobia than men.

Types of phobias

  • circle3 Animal phobias ( spiders, dogs, sharks)
  • circle3 Situational phobias ( Elevators, planes, driving or being stuck in an enclosed space.)
  • circle3 Natural phobias (Storms, water, heights)
  • circle3 Injections or blood phobias (Scared of medical procedures, of needles, of seeing blood)

Symptoms of phobias

  • circle3 Sweating
  • circle3 Racing heart
  • circle3 Dry mouth
  • circle3 Nausea
  • circle3 Shaking
  • circle3 Trouble breathing
  • circle3 Trouble breathing
  • circle3 Chest tightening
  • circle3 Chest pain
  • circle3 Overwhelming fear or anxiety
  • circle3 Needing to escape
  • circle3 Fear of losing control
  • circle3 You might know that your fear is irrational but you can’t stop feeling the way you do.

What are the treatment options for phobias?

There are a few treatment options available for those who suffer from specific phobias. Treatments that work the best are:

  • circle3
    Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
    CBT is where a psychologist will help you focus on your thoughts and how it influences your feelings and behavior. Often times you will be taught how to think in a more positive and rational way. CBT is a very effective form of therapy for many people. You might also over time slowly be exposed to your fear.
  • circle3
    Medication
    Medication might be used in conjunction with CBT. Antidepressants are often used to help people who might be struggling with phobias. Anti-anxiety medication can also be prescribed to help the individual feel calm during times of distress.

    If you or anyone that you know if suffering from specific phobias, seeking professional help can really help an individual to live a life free from fear. Phobias can leave a person feeling so distressed that their lives are affected. If you feel this way call the Anxiety Disorders Clinic today for professional help, from caring therapists.

Phone: 204-515-6433

Fax: 204-272-9855

Pembina Location: 200-701 Pembina Hwy, Winnipeg MB, R3M 2L7

St. Mary’s Location: 125 St. Annes, Winnipeg MB, R2M 2Z1