Phobias

A specific phobia is an intensive, irrational fear of specific and circumscribed stimuli, objects or situations. The fear is irrational because it is not in proportion to the realistic dangerousness of the situation. It cannot be reasoned away and controlled with the will despite that one realizes that the fear is unrealistic. One is avoiding exposure to the feared stimulus, object or situation, or one endures the phobic situation with a severe anxiety. Specific phobia can lead to a continuous avoidance of certain places or situations, suffering and/or a diminished social and occupational functioning. Phobias can be categorized into five different types as follows:

Animals	Insects, spiders, snakes, worms, cats, dogs, frogs, fishes, birds etc.
Nature	Heights, winds, sunshine, darkness, closeness to water, storms etc.
Blood Injection Injuries	To see blood, getting an injection, or experiencing another invasive medical procedure, witnessing an operation, talking about operations, giving a blood sample etc.
Situation	Bridges, tunnels, elevators, to fly an aeroplane, driving a car, closed spaces, to drive in a train, subway or bus etc.
Other	Situations that can lead to nausea, feelings of choking, loud noises, clowns, certain plants and flowers etc.

The most common reaction in specific phobias during exposure is a panic attack or a panic-like reaction. Some common symptoms are: palpitations, shortness of breath, cold feet or hands, chest pressure or chest pains, muscle tension, impulses of wanting to flee, hyperventilation, feelings of doom, restlessness, nervousness, shakings etc. Blood – injection – injury phobias is the only type when first an initial rise in blood pressure and pulse occurs, followed by a blood pressure fall and a lowered pulse. In the worst case one can faint.

© Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) specialist in Stockholm, 2005-2008, www.kbterapi.se


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