Phobia

Question 1

Definition

Answer 1

Intense, irrational fear of object, situation, place, or person that is excessive or unreasonable

Question 2

Types of phobia

Answer 2

Agoraphobia (fear of public places): Early adulthood (25-30 years of age)
Social phobia: Usually adolescence
Specific phobia: Usually childhood but can develop later in life

Question 3

Risk Factors

Answer 3

Averse experiences
Stress and negative life events
Other anxiety disorders
Mood disorders
Substance misuse disorders
Family history

Question 4

Clinical features

Answer 4

Biological:
- Tachycardia (but with phobias of blood/injection/injury - a vasovagal response = brady)
Psychological: inability to relax, fear of dying

Question 5

Diagnostic criteria

Answer 5

ICD-10

Question 6

Questionnaires

Answer 6

Questionnaires
- Social phobia inventory
- Liebowitz social anxiety scale

Question 7

DDx

Answer 7

GAD
PTSD
Anxious PD
Adjustment disorder
Depression

Question 8

Management

Answer 8

Avoid anxiety inducing substances
Agrophobia:
- CBT
- Graduated exposure techniques such as walking increased distances from home day by day
- SSRIs
Social Phobia
- CBT, SSRI’s
- Psychodynamic psychotherapy: for those who reject CBT or medication
Specific phobias:
- Exposure therapy
- CBT
- Benzodiazepines (short term): for instances if a Px needs an urgent CT scan and they are claustrophobic