Phobias are excessive and irrational fear reactions. These can be caused by different genetic and environmental factors. Children who have a close relative with an anxiety disorder are at risk of developing phobias.
Some phobias are commonly caused by distressing events. These distressing events do vary but the most common ones are drowning, exposure to confined spaces, animal bites, and exposure to extreme heights. Psychologists say that people with ongoing medical conditions are also prone to having phobias. There is a high incidence of people developing phobias after experiencing traumatic brain injuries, substance abuse, and depression.
The symptoms of phobias differ from person to person. Some may even experience serious mental illnesses such as schizophrenia. While phobias are irrational, people afflicted by them usually do not fail reality testing. More often than not, hypnosis can easily work on them as well.
If an individual has a phobia, he or she may experience a deep sense of dread or panic when the source of the fear is encountered. The fear can be of a certain situation, place, or object. Unlike general anxiety disorders, phobias are usually connected to something specific.
The treatment options for people with phobias involve therapeutic techniques, medications, or a combination of both. If you have a phobia, it is very important that you seek treatment. With the right treatment, managing your fears will be possible and so is leading a productive and fulfilling life. You may also want to visit our hypnotherapy clinic in Virginia.