Phobia - simple/specific

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Fears and phobias

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

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

Some phobias may have consequences that affect job performance or social functioning. Some anti-anxiety medications used to treat phobias, such as benzodiazepines, may cause physical dependence.

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: 11/15/2006
Reviewed By: Paul Ballas, D.O., Department of Psychiatry, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.