Phobias

Phobias

Phobias are extreme fears that cause a person to freeze or suffer a panic attack. Symptoms are very similar to those of other anxiety disorders, including shortness of breath, a rapid heart rate, and other physical and psychological indicators. When the symptoms consistently appear when in contact with an object or placed into a situation, the phobia can usually be diagnosed as one of several common varieties. Once this happens, treatment for phobia can begin. The online therapy that you can get on GoMentor.com takes phobias seriously. Before showing how you can get help with overcoming irrational fears, here is some more information on the different types of phobias.

Types of Phobias

When it comes to phobias, there are many different varieties that affect people in the same way, but are triggered by different objects or situations. Here is a basic rundown of the more common types of phobias that affect people.

• Arachnophobia - Fear of spiders.
• Sociaphobia - Fear of social situations.
• Aviophobia - Fear of flying.
• Claustrophobia - Fear of enclosed spaces.
• Acrophobia - Fear of heights.
• Emetophobia - Fear of vomiting.  
• Carcinophobia - Fear of cancer.
• Brontophobia - Fear of thunder.
• Necrophobia - Fear of dead things or death.  
• Mysophobia - Fear of dirt or being dirty.   
• Trypanophobia - Fear of needles.   
• Cynophobia - Fear of dogs.  
• Ophidiophobia - Fear of snakes.   
• Xenophobia - Fear of foreigners or strangers.

Symptoms of Phobias

As mentioned, the basic symptoms of phobias are very similar to those found with various other anxiety disorders. In general, they include sweaty palms, loss of breath, a racing heart, and other signs that appear when a situation or object is encountered. No matter what is feared, the general symptoms are going to be the same for most people. In extreme cases, they may appear similar to panic attacks, causing people to freeze up or be unable to act when in presence of the object or participating in a situation that causes them fear. While the symptoms may appear irrational to some, if they appear they should be taken seriously.

Dangers of Phobias

The extreme and irrational nature of the fears that come with phobias is enough to cause serious problems in a person's life. There is a good chance that if left untreated, phobias may result in the appearance of other emotional and mental disorders. Even if there are no side effects, the symptoms of phobias are enough to make it risky for people to go out into public, especially if there is a good chance they will run into their fear.

Treatment for Phobias

There are various options available for the treatment of phobias depending on the particular type. That said, the online therapy for phobias that we offer here at GoMentor.com combines psychotherapy with the power of the Internet. On GoMentor.com you can book online therapy sessions with therapists who can help give you the information and guidance needed to deal with any number of phobias. In addition, we have an online self-help forum that is available that will allow you to get emotional support from people who are going through the same things you are.

Definition of Phobias

Phobias are an intense and persistent fear (usually irrational) of things, activities, or situations. Symptoms include anxiety, loss of breath, racing heart, as well as other physical and emotional signs. Treatment for phobias with counseling and therapy is recommended.

Symptoms of / Reasons for Phobias

• Dread of certain objects
• Extreme fear of certain situations
• Shortness of breath
• Fast heart rate
• Irrational fears