Phobias Flashcards
How is a phobia described?
- Type of anxiety
- Strong, irrational fear of something that poses little or no real danger
What is the definition of a phobia?
Intense, persistent, irrational fear of simple objects or social situation
When a patient has contact with their phobia what tends to occur?
Severe panic
What are the risk factors for phobias?
- Ages 11-15 can continue into adulthood
- Twice as common in women
- Family
- External locus of control
- Traumatic events
- Witnessing others as they experience traumatic events
- Unexpected panic attacks while in specific environment
What are the physical manifestations of a phobia?
- Panic and fear
- Rapid heartbeat
- Shortness of breath
- Trembling
- A strong desire to get away
What are the three general categories for phobias?
- Specific phobias
- Agoraphobia
- Social anxiety disorder
What is the definition of specific phobias?
Excessive fear of a particular object or situation
What are five most common specific phobias?
- Acrophobia
- Arachnophobia
- Aviophobia
- Claustrophobia
- Hematophobia
What is the definition of agoraphobia?
Anxiety about being in places or situations where escape may be difficult
What are the typical situations when a patient with agoraphobia may have an attack?
Being alone, being away from home, being in a crowd.
What is agoraphobia commonly associated with?
Panic disorder
What is social anxiety disorder also called?
Social phobia
What is social anxiety disorder marked by?
Persistent fear of social or performance situations due to excessive fear of embarrassment or poor performance.
How is social anxiety disorder diagnosed?
Only if anxiety or fear significantly interferes with daily life
What are the pharmacologic therapies to treat phobias?
- Short term use of benzodiazepines
- SSRIs
- Some antipsychotics
