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Specific Phobia |
Specific Phobia's generally involve a strong fear and avoidance of one particular type of object or situation. It is important to be aware that in specific phobias there are no spontaneous panic attacks, and there is no fear of panic attacks, as in the anxiety disorder, Agoraphobia. There is also no fear of negative evaluation as in Social Anxiety Disorder. In Specific Phobias, the fear and avoidance of one particular type of object or situation is strong enough to impact on day to day life, personal relationships and occupational goals, causing considerable distress.
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| Common Specific Phobia's |
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Animal Phobias |
Fear and avoidance of snakes bats, rats, spiders, bees, dogs, and other creatures. |
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Acrophobia |
Fear of heights |
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Elevator Phobia |
Fear that the cables will break, or get stuck |
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Airplane Phobia |
Fear that the plane will crash or depressurise |
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Doctor or Dentist Phobia |
Fear of anything to do with doctors or dentists |
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Phobias of Thunder and Lightning |
Usually begins in childhood |
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Blood Injury Phobia |
Tend to faint rather than panic |
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Illness Phobia |
Fear of contracting or succumbing to a specific illness, such as a heart attack or cancer. Require constant reassurance from doctors |
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| Treatment |
Recovery from Specific Phobia's is possible. Treatment and therapies helpful in overcoming Specific Phobia's include cognitive behavioural therapy, anxiety education, relaxation and correct breathing techniques, focusing skills, exposure therapy, perception skills, balanced lifestyle and often medication. If you use medication it is advised to engage in the above therapies as well, and medication should only be used under the direction of a qualified medical practitioner.
For more information on specific treatments and therapies, visit the Treatment & Therapies section of this web site. |
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