PHOBIAS

What are they?

A phobia is an unusually high level of worry about a certain situation. This may be about an animal - such as rats, spiders and snakes - or having to do something - like flying, speaking in public or going to the dentist. Just thinking about the cause of your worry can bring on the symptoms of anxiety.

What causes them?

Most phobias start in childhood and usually disappear by the time you are a teenager. Some come about because of a frightening experience - such as fear of flying after a near-miss accident or fear of dogs having been bitten as a child.

Who gets them?

Phobias of one sort or another are very common. In the course of a lifetime, about one in 25 men and up to one in eight women will have one or more. You may be more prone to phobias it you are naturally anxious or suffer from depression.

What are the symptoms?

The main symptom of a phobia is feeling anxious about a certain situation - sometimes only when you are in that situation, but sometimes for some hours beforehand or just at the thought of it. You may feel breathless, with a dry mouth, sticky palms, a lump in your throat and a fast heartbeat. You might feel lightheaded and dizzy, with shaking or prickling sensations across the skin. Sometimes you may wake at night feeling panicky. The symptoms are often so unpleasant that you will find yourself going to great lengths to avoid that situation - avoiding the dentist, for instance - even though you know it is not sensible. The more you put it off, the more anxious you get about doing it. As long as you do not think about it, you may find that you are fine.

When should I go to see my doctor?

You should make an appointment with your GP as soon as your phobia becomes troublesome. The chances are that the sooner you get treatment for it, the easier it will be to sort out.

What tests will my Doctor want to do?

Your GP will just ask questions about the condition and about other stresses in your life. He will want to get an idea about how much your phobia is affecting your life and if you are also, for instance, depressed or anxious generally.

What is the short-term treatment?

This depends partly on what you have a phobia about. The GP may refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist who will go into your problem in detail. If you are depressed as well as having a phobia you may need to take tablets. These are safe and not addictive. You may be taught tricks to help you relax; you may be asked to imagine the situation which makes you worried and to go through it with the help of the therapist; you may actually face whatever causes you anxiety under their supervision. Whatever your treatment involves, your therapist will not spring unpleasant surprises on you and you can stop at any point if you get too anxious.

Will I need long-term treatment?

This again depends on what your phobia is, how bad it is and how long you have had it. Some phobias are more easily treated than others are, and once you are 'cured' you may well not need regular long-term treatment.

How can I stop them getting worse?

You can help by not putting off getting help until your problem is too severe. You should try and cut down the stress in your life, and you must try and persevere with any exercises you are given as part of your treatment.

Will I need regular check-ups?

Certainly while you are having treatment you will need to be seen regularly to check on your progress. After this you will probably be advised to go back to your GP if things get worse.