Continued of Strange Phobias-2.

Author

Prof. Hayk S. Arakelyan. Full Professor in Medicine,

Doctor of Medical Sciences, Ph.D , Grand Ph.D .

Senior Expert of Interactive Clinical Pharmacology , Drug Safety,

Treatment Tactics, General Medicine and Clinical Research.

“Courage is resistance to

 fear, mastery of fear, not

 absence of fear.”

 “Mark Twain”

Introduction.

Driving phobia is a form of agoraphobia, literally defined as is the fear of open spaces. But it's not the fear of open spaces that scares people, it's the fear of loss of control. People with a driving phobia fear being trapped in a traffic jam and unable to escape if they experience a panic attack, likewise, they also fear passing out, losing control of the vehicle, throwing up or getting into an accident. For many people, driving next to big trucks can be very nerve racking, as can be merging on the freeway or driving in the fast lane.

Driving Anxiety.

Driving anxiety is a very common form of anxiety that can range in severity from a hesitation to drive, where anxiety is always present, all the way up to a total refusal to drive at all, in which case it becomes driving phobia. A phobia is a fear that is paralyzing but irrational. Driving phobia is one of the most common phobias.

Driving  phobia tips.

- The basics: Avoid driving on an empty stomach. Pay attention to how you feel after eating certain foods, especially those high in sugar or simple carbs (bread, pastries, soft drinks). Drinking alcohol the night before can also trigger blood sugar imbalances. Also, if you are driving while sleep deprived, you are asking for trouble. Start by taking care of yourself.

- Consider car pooling: If you are engaged in conversation you are less liable to think anxious thoughts. You also have to drive half as much. Think this one over carefully, as some people are more distracted while conversing while driving.

- Affirmations: Hand write, in script, some positive affirmation about your ability to drive calm, comfortable and relaxed. For example "I'm calm, comfortable and relaxed while driving and enjoying listening to music (the radio, audio books, etc.)" Read them right before you go to bed and right after you wake up. Say them out loud and imagine yourself driving while feeling calm and relaxed. Don't underestimate the power of this simple exercise.

Causes and symptoms of  vehophobia.

The first and most common cause of a fear of driving is traffic accidents. The second most common form is driving phobia as a specific phobia. Because driving does involve some danger and the possibility of a collision, there does exist some fear or caution in many rational people. People with a fear of driving may experience trembling, sweating, accelerated pulse, loss of sense of reality, and thoughts of losing control while driving, even in situations that are reasonably safe. This fear will cause many to avoid driving, create excuses to not drive, or even refuse to get a driver's license for years.

- Panic  Disorder.

- Past negative  experiences and  driving  phobia.

- Fear of Fatalities  and  driving  phobia.

- Vehophobia  and forensic medicines.

Treatment perspectives  of  driving phobia.

To be continued ....

If you have any questions concerning “   Driving phobia.-  Vehophobia in Forensic Medicine . ”, interactive clinical pharmacology , or any other questions, please  inform  me.

 Prof. Hayk S. Arakelyan