Phobias
... Phobias are persistent, irrational fears that occur in several forms; the fear associated with a phobia can focus on a particular object or be a fear of embarrassment in a public setting. Phobias for the most part have been derived in our psyche generally from some past experience. ... The term phobia was not a part of the English language until the 1700s, but the identification of phobias occurred thousands of years before. ... After Hippocrates, researchers became fascinated by various ideas about the origin of phobias. ... Sigmund Freud took immediate interest in the study of phobias, and he had strong ideas that there was something more to phobias than the simplistic ideas that many scientists were coming up with. ... Psychologists today are doubtful that there is one reason why phobias develop. They have spent more time profiling people who have phobias and finding similarities. ... More than one in ten Americans have one or more specific phobias, and an additional two percent suffer from panic disorder each year. ... There are several things that scientists and psychologists believe are the cause of phobias, but they believe that the most significant contributor to phobias are often times traumatic events. Some people may be more likely to develop phobias than others. ... Having a cautious style may make it more likely for someone to develop phobias or anxiety. Learning also plays a role in helping phobias develop and linger. ... Another common symptom experienced by people with phobias is anticipatory anxiety. ... These tests included evaluations for depression, current thoughts of suicide, medical history and panic-related symptoms, such as the frequency of panic attacks, phobias, and the intensity of anxiety symptoms. ... There are two general types of phobias that scientists and psychologist have found to be the most common, specific and social. ... Specific phobias, as the name implies, apply to people who have an irrational fear of specific objects or situations. ... Most specific phobias in adults do not go away on their own – in contrast to those suffered by children that generally disappear over time. Specific phobias often develop after traumatic events. Fortunately, phobias are very treatable, and most people who seek treatment for their phobia are completely cured. ... Many people go from doctor to doctor seeking cures for the physical symptoms that accompany their phobias. ... Hiding the phobias can further disconnect people from regular life. ... New treatments for phobias are very effective. ... Scientists and psychologists felt that the best way to treat phobias This is a relatively short-term, focused psychotherapy that is used for a wide range of psychological problems including depression, anxiety, anger, marital conflicts, loneliness, panic, fears, eating disorders, substance abuse and personality problems.