Phobia Support Group

A full list of phobias can be found here. Some of the most popular phobias are: Agoraphobia (open spaces), Amaxophobia (driving), Autophobia (being alone), Claustrophobia (enclosed spaces), Hydrophobia (water). Of course, there are many others as well.

Causes include:

Direct Experience: This is where the object that a person is afraid of is experienced directly. For example if a person is afraid of snakes and he/she got bitten by that snake than he/she has just experienced a direct experience

Experiencing a False Alarm: This is actually experiencing a false alarm just as having a panic attack in the presence of the frightened object

Observing Someone: This is where a person observed another person getting attacked by a snake. Therefore, he/she is afraid of the snake this way. That person is afraid that what had happened to that person could also happen to them

Being Told: This is where a person is told about the dangers of a snake. The warning is so great and frightening to the person, he/she develops a phobia because of it.

Some therapists use virtual reality or imagery exercise to desensitize patients to the feared entity. These are parts of systematic desensitization therapy.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be beneficial. Cognitive behavioral therapy lets the patient understand the cycle of negative thought patterns, and ways to change these thought patterns. CBT may be conducted in a group setting. Gradual desensitization treatment and CBT are often successful, provided the patient is willing to endure some discomfort and to make a continuous effort over a long period of time.

Anti-anxiety or anti-depression medications can be of assistance in many cases. Benzodiazepines could be prescribed for short-term use.

These treatment options are not mutually exclusive. Often a therapist will suggest multiple treatments.