How Do Phobias Develop

Each type of phobia is very unique, and the cause of each is unique as well. We know now that there are three different kinds of phobia and that each type has its own symptoms and, usually, a very specific cause.

The majority of phobias are specific phobias, meaning that they are a fear of a specific object, creature, or scenario. Specific phobias are the most common phobia and are what most people consider to be a phobia. Sometimes specific phobias just appear without cause, but they usually come from some sort of unpleasant experience, especially experiences from childhood. Most people with specific phobias are embarrassed by their problem, but are filled with fear when they see, or even think about, the thing that causes their phobic reaction. However, specific phobias can be overcome through therapy or simply overcoming the fear.

Social phobia is the fear of embarrassing oneself in public, especially in situations where one may be judged. A fear of public speaking is one common social phobia. At one time it was considered that social phobia was a type of particular phobia, however in more recent years it has acquired its own identification due to differing causes as well as treatments. People who suffer from social phobia are prone to alcohol or drug abuse to 'take off the edge,' which usually leads them into increased isolationism. Alcoholism and drug addiction can also spawn a social phobia, in some cases, because of the lowered self esteem and depression that accompanies substance abuse. The use of anti-anxiety medication has proved effective in treating social phobias.

The other major phobia category is Agoraphobia, which was thought to a specific phobia of entering public places. However, we have learned that Agoraphobia is actually caused by the fear of intense panic attacks, especially the fear of having them in an uncontrolled environment. Many Agoraphobes cannot enjoy going to a restaurant, ride a bus, attend certain social events, or do any other number of things that would make them feel embarrassed or trapped if they had a panic attack. In essence, it is not being in public they fear, but having a panic attack.

One symptom of Agoraphobia is an increased awareness of the onset or feeling of a panic attack, such as nausea or increased heart rate. Agoraphobes are so hyper-aware of these panic attack symptoms that if they notice any signs of a panic attack, whether they are having a panic attack or not, they will become alarmed and fearful of having a panic attack, which in turn can cause a panic attack. Because of this cycle of fear, it is estimated that 40% of the people who have severe panic attacks will develop Agoraphobia at some point.

Agoraphobia may only limit certain people from flying or participating in other activities that would make them feel trapped or out of control. For other Agoraphobia sufferers, their comfort zone is much smaller, preventing some from leaving their home, or even their bed. Agoraphobia is commonly treated with anti-anxiety medication and therapy to reduce or avoid panic attacks and panic attack symptoms.

Having a phobia of any kind is not fun, but luckily phobias can usually be cured or brought under control. Although some phobias can be overcome without professional help, Agoraphobia and social phobias must be combated with medication. Unfortunately the exact reason someone has or develops their phobia cannot always be discovered, but at least it can be treated.

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