An excessive, irrational and obsessive fear of a particular situation, event, object or place is known as phobia. Treating phobias the moment they are identified like with a stress quiz is very important to manage symptoms effectively. Most patients suffering from this condition experience a deep sense of harm, fear or endangerment.
Common Symptoms That Require Phobia Treatment
When the person is exposed to a trigger situation, phobic symptoms can occur or stress types. Even the thought of facing a stressful situation can sometimes trigger phobia. Some of the common symptoms associated with this condition include nausea, breathlessness and dizziness, sense of unreality and fear of dying.
It is imperative to take the help of a doctor before the symptoms escalate into an anxiety attack. If administered with the right treatment immediately, sufferers can get at least temporary phobia relief.
Different Types Of Phobias
There are various types of phobias and identifying which one the patient is suffering from is the first step towards effective treatment. The three most common types of phobia include social phobia, specific phobias and agoraphobia. Social phobia is associated with fear of social events and situations. Agoraphobia on the other hand is about being stuck in a situation from which there is no escape. People suffering from specific phobias have a deeply ingrained fear of specific objects like snakes.
Treating phobias, an especially specific phobia is about addressing the specific associated symptoms. Four major specific phobias are related to fear of animals like rodents, snakes, spiders and so on, fear of natural environment such as water, lightening and storms, fear of situations such as leaving home, bridges, driving and so on and fear of medical events like visiting a doctor, receiving injections and seeing blood.
Treatment Options
Phobia treatment options suggested by mental health doctor may include behavioral therapy and medications or a combination of both. Most people suffering from any type of phobia need help with handling symptoms and with treatment. Treatments aim at providing phobia relief for patients by reducing their fear and anxiety and by helping patients manage their responses to situations effectively.
Medications As A Treatment Option For Phobias
One of the popular medications prescribed by doctors for phobia patients is beta-blockers. These medications block the adrenaline effects on the body such as elevated blood pressure, increased heart rate, shaking of limbs and voice and pounding of heart. Beta-blockers are used for treating phobias related to stage performances.
SSRI or Selective Serotonin Re-uptake Inhibitors are antidepressants sometimes prescribed for phobia treatment. These medications work by acting on the neurotransmitter serotonin in the brain. This chemical is responsible for moods.
Another popular treatment administered for patients to provide them with phobia relief is behavior therapy. This type of therapy focuses majorly on the way patients respond to stimulus. Behavior therapy is found to be very effective in treating patients suffering from specific phobias by getting them to face fears and get over them. Choice of treatment usually depends on the specific condition and severity of phobia. Whether or not phobia is associated with panic disorder is another factor taken into account while working out a treatment regime.