Phobias

What are PHOBIAS?

Phobias are a common form of anxiety disorder characterized by an intense fear of certain situations, people or things and the excessive need to avoid these things. Phobias are an exaggerated fear reaction to real or imagined danger.  The most common phobias are fear of speaking in public, claustrophobia and fear of heights.  Sometimes phobias can cause panic attacks.

Treatment for phobias:

Phobia Treatment involves supportive psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, relaxation exercises, and systematic desensitization. Using cognitive therapy,  patients look for evidence as to whether the fear is real or imagined and then work to challenge and modify the expectations that trigger anxiety.  Relaxation exercises will allow you to cope with your anxiety while Systematic desensitization helps patients overcome their avoidance patterns by gradually and increasingly exposing them to the feared object either in my office, or in its realistic environment until it can be tolerated.