Informative Essay On Phobias

Can you sleep at night with no lights or sound available? Are you able to venture through your backyard, without questioning the presence of harmful insects? Despite the pain, is a medical appointment that requires shots bearable? Often taken for granted, these simple trials can escalate to a fear, then continue to develop into a phobia. Patients with phobias are commonly misunderstood because, only on a rare occasion, can another person relate. Although it is known that many people claim to possess a phobia, are they just self-diagnosed extensive fears? Furthermore, how exactly does one obtain a phobia? Although the discovery of phobias cannot be pinpointed, they have proved their importance by claiming their own category in the International …show more content…
When a person encounters the symptoms of phobias for at least six months, they are usually admitted under the guidance of a psychologist. A psychotherapist will continue to schedule routine appointments to gradually overcome the fear. According to an article titled “Phobias and Fears: Symptoms, Treatment and Self-Help for Phobias and Fears” displayed by Helpguide, doctors refer to the “Fear Ladder” for progress. For example, as for a patient with the fear of an animal, the therapist may request them to look at a picture of the animal, then proceed to watch a video of it. As the doctor continues, they may require the sight of the animal, face to face, then continue to interact with it, while also gradually progressing in the size of the animal being dealt. On the rare occasion, that the patient only requires self-help, they may turn to learning relaxation techniques, through a treatment called systematic desensitization, or repeatedly facing their fear. Furthermore, new technological approaches have been developed, including visual reality methods. Although this system is not used broadly yet, it allows the patient to virtually face their fear in a realistic situation, so they would have exposure to it in reality. Lastly, the medical professional may prescribe a medication. These medications can include muscle relaxers and antidepressants. According to Professor Lipp’s work displayed in ABC Regional News, “cognitive behavioural therapy is very affective, about 85 percent in reducing anxiety.” Although past doctors and explorers have developed methods to calm the fear and anxiety caused by phobias, researchers continue in the hopes of discovering a