Fear and Phobias

Phobias take many forms. Some people are terrified of dogs, even tiny dogs with wagging tails. Some people stiffen with fright at the mere thought of talking in front of a group. Some can't fly. Some tremble and hide at the crack of thunder. Some can't ride an escalator. Some are struck by panic attacks for no apparent reason. And some never leave their homes.

Fears such as these are very common. Millions of Americans are afflicted with phobias or panic disorder. They suffer intensely. To escape their fear, they go to great lengths to avoid the object, place, or situation that provokes it. They change jobs merely to avoid an elevator ride, for example, or cut back their social life. Some wear down their families with their clinging dependency. Nearly all lose out on much of life.

Many people to from doctor to doctor seeking cures for the physical symptoms that accompany their phobias. Often, even the doctor fails to recognize that stomach pains, high blood pressure, rapid heart beat, and other symptoms may be related to intense fear. Unless questioned, patients may not think to mention their fears. Doctors may not ask. While the bills keep mounting, the medical condition fails to improve.

The many phobic people who think their fears are silly, childish, or trivial often try to conceal them. While hiding from their fears, they hide their phobias from others, further limiting their experience of life.

It is better to tell someone. Much of the pain and disruption - perhaps most of it - can be remedied. New treatments for phobias are remarkably effective. But few people, including doctors, know about them.

If you or someone you know is excessively fearful - afraid out of all proportion to the cause - then you may gain some understanding of the problem from the pain phobia page. It describes what experts know about phobias and panic. It may help you.