A phobia is an overwhelming and unreasonable fear of objects or situations that are not really dangerous.

Unlike normal short-term anxiety like speaking in public or taking a test, a phobia can be long-lasting, causing intense physical and psychological reactions.

This condition can affect your ability to function normally at work or in a social environment. The most common phobias are fears of flying, high places, elevators, spiders, strangers, injections, blood, and confined spaces.

Signs and symptoms of a phobia

Phobia often causes rapid heartbeat and breathing, a feeling of choking, tight chest, excessive sweating and diarrhoea.

This condition can lead to serious anxiety or even panic attacks. Generally, people are not able to control their fears and actions. They may mess up at work when experiencing this syndrome.

There may be other symptoms that show you suffer from it. Do consult your doctor if you experience any abnormalities.

When to see your doctor

Unreasonable fear can be an annoyance, like having to take the stairs instead of an elevator or driving the long way to work instead of taking the highway. This is not considered a specific phobia unless it seriously disrupts your life.

If anxiety negatively affects proper functioning at work, school or social situations, visit your doctor or mental health professional. Most people can be helped if they receive the right therapy.

What causes it

At present the causes are still unknown, but it tends to be inherited and often occurs suddenly or gradually after a traumatic event.

Who experiences it most often

Most phobias begin at puberty but fears of animals, blood, storms and water can first appear in childhood. Women often have more specific phobias than men.

What factors increase the risk of phobia

There are many factors that can increase your risk of phobia, including:

• Age: Social phobia, also known as social anxiety disorder may appear in young children, with the average age of onset at 13 years. Specific phobias can begin at the age of 10. Agoraphobia usually starts in the late teens or early adult years before the age of 35.

• Relatives: If someone in the family has a specific phobia or anxiety, you are more likely to develop it too. This can be an inherited tendency, or children may pick up on specific phobias simply by observing a phobic reaction to an object or a situation.

• Temperament: Your risk of phobia may increase if you are more sensitive, more inhibited or more negative than the norm.

• A negative experience: Experiencing a traumatic event, such as being trapped in an elevator or attacked by an animal, can trigger the development of a specific phobia.

Treatment

The information provided herein is not a substitute for a medical check-up. Always consult your doctor for more information.

How phobias are diagnosed

No test can conclusively diagnose a phobia. The diagnosis of specific phobias are based on a thorough clinical interview and diagnostic guidelines.

You will be asked a few questions about your symptoms and medical history, from which your doctor will conclude whether you have a phobia.

How phobias are treated

The goal of treatment is to improve your quality of life so that you are no longer restricted by your phobia.

It usually takes several months to treat social phobia, while the treatment time for other specific types are usually shorter.

In most cases of animal, syringe or injury phobias, the symptoms tend to show noticeable improvement after cognitive behavioural therapy.

Both medication and cognitive behavioural therapy can be used together. The medication reduces certain symptoms caused by anxiety, such as tachycardia and palpitations.

Medications are often more helpful with social phobia rather than other types of phobia. Treatments based on imaginary or realistic exposure are the best ways to deal with specific forms of phobia.

Exposure therapy works best if treatment sessions are arranged closer together. Other therapies such as biofeedback and hypnosis can help patients reduce anxiety and control their heart rate.

What lifestyle changes need to be made

To limit the progression of phobia, you should:

• Tell a doctor about it. Do not be ashamed of your fears.
• Remember that specific phobias can be treated after a few sessions of therapy.
• Avoid stressful situations wherever possible.
• Exercise more to reduce anxiety.
• Avoid things or situations that cause you fear.

Seek medical help if your symptoms get worse or you experience physical complications due to anxiety or depression and you have suicidal thoughts.

If you are concerned about any issues with your health, consult your doctor for advice on the best treatment.

This article first appeared in Hello Doktor. The Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.