Phobias

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Agoraphobia/Social Phobia

Agoraphobia and Social Phobia are both generalised phobias which are often connected and can lead to isolation. They differ from specific phobias (such as fear of snakes or spiders) in that they are made up of a ‘cluster’ of phobias and often involve panic attacks. It is thought that up to 5% of the population suffers with some form of social phobia.

Individuals suffering from agoraphobia often fear open spaces, crowds, public places and/or travelling alone. Sufferers may avoid unfamiliar/public places where they perceive they have little control. Agoraphobia is more common in females and usually begins in the late 20’s. Often it accompanies low self-esteem and worry about being able to cope alone.

Social Phobia often develops in adolescence, possibly from early shyness, and can lead to isolation. Both conditions can lead to ‘avoidant’ behaviour, where the person plans their life around avoiding uncomfortable situations which might trigger anxiety or panic attacks. This in turn increases the problem and can reduce the chance of seeking help.

Those suffering from agoraphobia or social phobia may also suffer with depression, anxiety, depersonalisation or obsessive compulsive disorder.

In severe cases, sufferers may become confined to their own homes to avoid the anxiety associated with not feeling in control. However, treatment is available and highly effective to help individuals understand their feelings and how to cope with them.

Symptoms

Common symptoms for sufferers include:

Avoiding places, crowds and situations

Panic attacks

Shaking

Sweating

Chest pain

Fear of dying

Dizziness

Difficulty breathing

Nausea

Fear of losing control

Fast heart beat

Specific Phobia

Specific Phobia is an extreme fear of an object or situation that poses little or no actual danger. Sufferers know their fear is irrational, but they cannot control or overcome it. Facing their feared object or situation, or even just thinking about facing it, brings on severe anxiety or a panic attack.

Some common examples are closed-in places, spiders or a fear of flying. It is a fear of a particular thing rather than just extreme fear. These phobias usually begin early in the person's life and continue into adulthood. There is also evidence that the phobias may run in families.

Symptoms:

Common symptoms for sufferers include:

Trembling

Nausea

Profuse sweating

Racing heart

Cause

Research suggests that phobias run in families and there may be some genetic link or shared behavioural patterns as well as individual factors. More ...

Treatment

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is a common treatment for phobias, as it helps individuals to reconsider their way of processing situations and can help them to find ways to deal with situations. Psychotherapy can help explore some of the complex underlying causes of the anxiety, group therapy may help too. Drug treatments that act on levels of and serotonin in the brain may also be an option.

When is the right time to seek help?

Generally with any form of anxiety, the earlier help is sought the better as avoidance behaviour often makes the problem more complex and disruptive to the individual’s normal life. When behaviour is affected, for example if a person cannot meet with friends or take up employment because of the anxieties of leaving the home, the problem must be addressed. Treatment and help are often highly effective for these disorders. More ...

Phobia Statistics: More Statistics >>

The Office for National Statistics found that 1.9 per cent of adults in Britain experience phobias. In this study, it is shown that women are twice as likely as men to experience phobias. Other studies show widely differing rates: one author quotes two community surveys - one in Canada, giving a prevalence rate of 7.7 per cent; and another very large US survey, giving a rate of 13.3 per cent. [19]

(Statistics from Mind.org.uk)

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Content written/edited by Denise Pickup MBACP in 2008. The content is for general information only and may or may not relate to your individual situation; please contact a professional directly to discuss this issue.