What are phobias and what causes them?

What is a phobia?
A phobia is an irrational fear. It is a type of anxiety disorder. It is more than just being scared.

What is a Phobia?(continued)
a phobia is also a natural part of development. Many children go through a phase where they are scared of the dark or are scared of strangers. Specific phobias can run in families with evidence of a genetic connection.

What causes phobias?

• A phobia might be a result of something that happened to you when you were younger.
• They can be caused by a stressful or scary situation
• If a certain phobia runs in your family you have a chance of developing it.

Physical symptoms

• trembling
• sweating
• shortness of breath
• nausea
• headaches
• chills
• Fever

Treatment

• Talking treatment- counseling
• Medication
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)- this changes the way the person thinks

Types of phobias

• Acrophobia- fear of heights
• Hypnophobia- Fear of sleep
• Melophobia- Fear of music
• Myctophobia- Fear of darkness
• Didaskaleinophobia- Fear of going to school

Sources

• http://phobialist.com/
• http://www.healthcommunities.com/phobias/causes.shtml
• http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/249347.php