Phobias are a type of anxiety disorder characterized by an intense fear of specific things and certain situations. About 12.5% of American adults have a phobia, and these fears can seriously impact your daily life and sense of overall well-being.
Our team at Boston Neurobehavioral Associates specializes in phobia treatment, and we’re here to help you understand why phobias happen and how to manage your fears.
In this blog, we’re exploring five common types of phobias in adults and what your treatment options are.
Acrophobia, the fear of heights, is one of the most common phobias among adults. It causes intense anxiety or even panic attacks when you’re confronted with heights — or even the mere thought of being in high places. Symptoms can range from a rapid heartbeat to an overwhelming sense of impending doom.
Claustrophobia is a fear of being in enclosed or confined spaces, like elevators. If you have claustrophobia, you may try to avoid certain situations or places that make you feel trapped. A few possible symptoms of claustrophobia are a rapid heartbeat, hyperventilation, sweating, or a choking sensation.
Arachnophobia is a fear of spiders. This phobia can cause extreme anxiety, panic, or a strong desire to escape when you encounter spiders — even if they pose no real threat to you.
Agoraphobia is often labeled as a fear of open spaces, but it’s actually the fear of being in situations or places that you can’t easily escape. If you have agoraphobia, you might find yourself going to great lengths to avoid crowds, public transportation, or other public places.
Social phobia, also known as social anxiety disorder, is an intense fear of social situations. Some people also have a fear of being negatively judged or embarrassed by others. If you suffer from social phobia, you may experience intense anxiety in social settings, from attending parties to interacting with strangers.
Phobias can and do interfere with your everyday life. And since the fear is often intense and irrational, it’s not easy to manage your symptoms on your own.
The good news is that you have treatment options. Our team offers telehealth care for phobias, and we work with you to find the best treatment approach for your needs. We may recommend:
CBT helps you learn to identify and challenge the negative thoughts and beliefs surrounding your phobia. With CBT, you can develop coping strategies and learn how to implement them to manage your anxiety symptoms.
Exposure therapy involves gradually exposing you to your fears in a controlled and supportive environment. Through repeated exposure without negative consequence, your anxiety levels begin to decrease.
Along with therapy, relaxation techniques can help you feel more in control of your symptoms. We may recommend strategies like deep breathing exercises, meditation, or progressive muscle relaxation when you’re faced with stressful or anxiety-inducing situations.
In some cases, we might suggest medication to manage your phobia symptoms. Anti-anxiety medication can be particularly beneficial when combined with therapy.
It’s no secret that a phobia can have the power to control your life, but it doesn’t have to. If you’re struggling with a phobia, take steps to seek professional help and get a personalized treatment plan that makes a difference for you.
Contact Boston Neurobehavioral Associates online to schedule your first telehealth appointment today.
