Phobias
What is a phobia?
Phobia is defined as a persistent, irrational, intense fear of a specific object, activity, or situation, that can be recognised as being excessive or unreasonable by the individual.
Specific phobia (sometimes known as simple phobia) is a fear of a well-defined object or situation, for example, fear of spiders or dogs, driving on motorway, crossing bridges, etc.
Social phobia (also known as social anxiety) involves fear and avoidance of people and social situations, usually involving fear of embarrassment and humiliation.
Claustrophobia is a fear of enclosed spaces, where escape may appear to be difficult.
Agoraphobia can be seen as a cluster of phobias related to leaving home, entering shops, being in crowds and public places, or travelling on public transport. Many people with agoraphobia also have a history of panic attacks. They may worry about being in an environment, or situation, from which escape would be difficult.
Well-known people affected by phobias
Napoleon Bonaparte - cat phobia
Muhammad Ali, boxer - fear of flying
Ronald Reagan, former US president - fear of flying
Adolf Hitler - claustrophobia
Andre Agassi, tennis champion - fear of spiders
What help is available?
NICE (National Institute for Clinical Excellence) recommends Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for phobia treatment, as there is a lot of research evidence to show that it can help. There are also numerous case studies and some research available to show that Emotional Freedom Techniques and Neuro Linguistic Psychotherapy (derived from Neuro Linguistic Programming) can both be very effective. You can read an article about successful application of EFT for a 30 year needle phobia here. If you want to arrange a face-to-face or a telephone consultation, get in touch with Masha through the Contact page.
Sources of information & support
Anxiety UK
Zion Community Resource Centre, 339 Stretford Road, Hulme, Manchester, M15 4ZY
NO PANIC (National Organisation For Phobias, Anxiety, Neuroses, Information & Care)
93 Brands Farm Way, Randlay, Telford, Shropshire TF3 2JQ
Helpline: 0808 808 0545
Triumph Over Phobia (TOP UK)
PO Box 3760, Bath, BA2 3WY, Tel: 0845 600 9601. Runs a national network of structured, self-help groups for adults (16+) suffering from phobias.
First Steps to Freedom
1 Taylor Close, Kenilworth, Warwickshire, CV8 2LW
Helpline: 0845 120 2916
For people with general anxiety, phobias, obsessional compulsive disorder, panic attacks, and those who wish to come off tranquillisers. Services include: telephone self-help groups, leaflets, booklets, videos, audio tapes.
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