Phobias

Phobias are persistent irrational fears of objects or situations, with a strong desire to avoid what you fear and, in some cases, an inability to function at normal tasks in your job and in social settings. Phobias are among several anxiety disorders, which also include panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder.

Follow the links below to find information about phobias.

Reviewed March 2009

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Related HealthInsite Topics
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
HealthInsite Topic Page
Links to information and research about obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD).
Panic Disorder
HealthInsite Topic Page
Links to information about panic disorder.
Post-Traumatic Stress
HealthInsite Topic Page
Links to information and support services for people suffering from post traumatic stress or PTSD.
20 Resources Found
Results 1 to 20 displayed.
Title:   Claustrophobia
Publisher:   Better Health Channel
Description:   A person with claustrophobia may panic inside an enclosed space, such as a lift, aeroplane or crowded room. Symptoms of an anxiety attack may include sweating, accelerated heart rate, hyperventilation, shaking, nausea or fainting. With appropriate treatment, it is possible to overcome claustrophobia.
Date:   Nov 2009
Title:   Fear of flying
Publisher:   Better Health Channel
Description:   Fear of flying is a common phobia. Some people become fearful after an incident or accident, while others fear flying after becoming a parent. Information about flying, and about anxiety and panix, can help. Gradual exposure to airports, airplanes and flights can also help.
Date:   Jul 2009
Title:   Agoraphobia
Publisher:   Better Health Channel
Description:   Agoraphobia is an anxiety disorder. A person with agoraphobia fears experiencing anxiety or having a 'panic attack'. They may avoid leaving their home for a long time. Agoraphobia responds well to treatments including medication and cognitive behaviour therapy.
Date:   Oct 2008
Title:   Fears - young children
Publisher:   Child and Youth Health - CYH (South Australia)
Description:   Parents often worry about their children's fears and anxieties. Children's worries and reactions to situations vary enormously.
Date:   Oct 2008
Title:   Fear of the dark - children
Publisher:   Better Health Channel
Description:   Many children feel afraid of the dark. A child's fear may disrupt their bedtime routine and sleep. There are many ways that parents can help their child to overcome this common fear. A nightlight, comforters such as a toy or teddy and a bedtime routine can help. Take a child's fears seriously but do not pretend to check for monsters as this may suggest to the child you believe monsters could exist. A child's anxiety may stem from events such as a parental separation, injury or hospital stay.
Date:   Sep 2008
Title:   Social phobia
Publisher:   Better Health Channel
Description:   Social phobia is a type of anxiety disorder. People who have social phobia experience extreme and persistent anxiety associated with social or performance situations. Social phobia is also known as social anxiety disorder. Treatment options include cognitive behaviour therapy, social skills training, relaxation and medication.
Date:   Jun 2008
Title:   Anxiety in Children
Publisher:   HealthInsite Topic Page
Description:   Links to information about anxiety disorders or phobias, in children.
Date:   Apr 2008
Title:   Phobic disorders
Publisher:   Virtual Medical Centre.com
Description:   Information on the symptoms, treatment and diagnosis of phobic disorders by professional health specialists.
Date:   Feb 2008
Title:   Anxiety - when you are worrying about things
Publisher:   Child and Youth Health - CYH (South Australia)
Description:   Feeling worried at times is normal. What if you have to do a talk in front of the class or be in a play or play a musical instrument in front of others? Would you feel a bit scared?
Date:   Jan 2008
Title:   Social anxiety
Publisher:   inspire foundation
Description:   Social anxiety disorder is the fear of being embarrassed and judged in social situations and when talking to other people. Check out this fact sheet for more info on causes, symptoms and management options for social anxiety disorder.
Date:   Jul 2007
Title:   Specific phobias
Publisher:   Clinical Research Unit for Anxiety and Depression (CRUfAD)
Description:   A phobia is a fear which is unreasonable in its degree or nature, yet so powerful that the sufferer tries to avoid the feared object or situation or becomes extremely anxious, even panic-stricken, if forced to confront it.
Date:   Jan 2007
Title:   Social phobia
Publisher:   Clinical Research Unit for Anxiety and Depression (CRUfAD)
Description:   Social phobia is a fear of social situations that involve interactions with other people. If you have social phobia you tend to worry about being judged badly by other people - being criticised, 'put down' or embarrassed.
Date:   Jan 2007
Title:   Panic disorder and agoraphobia
Publisher:   Clinical Research Unit for Anxiety and Depression (CRUfAD)
Description:   Panic attacks are sudden periods of intense anxiety or fear. Agoraphobia occurs when the person is anxious about being in places or situations where they might have a panic attack.
Date:   Jan 2007
Title:   Are you fearful?
Publisher:   Clinical Research Unit for Anxiety and Depression (CRUfAD)
Description:   Being too fearful is awful. This section contains some general advice and a description of techniques that you can use to reduce these feelings.
Date:   Jan 2007
Title:   Children and Sleep
Publisher:   HealthInsite Topic Page
Description:   Links to information on sleeping patterns and sleeping problems in children.
Date:   Nov 2006
Title:   Panic disorder and agoraphobia: Australian treatment guide for consumers and carers
Publisher:   Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists
Description:   This guide is intended to help you find the right care and treatment for panic disorder and agoraphobia.
Date:   Jun 2005
Title:   Social phobia
Publisher:   Clinical Management and Treatment Education (CLIMATE)
Description:   Social phobia is avoidance of situations for fear of scrutiny in case of shame. This is a preview of the CLIMATE treatment program for social phobia.
Date:   Dec 2004
Title:   Australian and New Zealand clinical practice guidelines for the treatment of panic disorder and agoraphobia
Publisher:   Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists
Description:   These guidelines present evidence-based treatments for panic disorder and agoraphobia. Both psychological and evidence-based pharmacological approaches to treatment for these chronic and disabling conditions are discussed.
Date:   Jan 2003
Title:   Social phobia: more than just shyness - myDr.com.au
Publisher:   myDr
Description:   Social phobia is an extreme form of shyness, characterised by fear of scrutiny in social situations, and fear of humiliation when having to perform in front of others.
Date:   May 2001
Title:   Pharmacotherapy for social anxiety disorder
Publisher:   John Wiley and Sons, Ltd. for The Cochrane Collaboration
Description:   Social phobia (SP), or social anxiety disorder, is increasingly viewed as a prevalent and disabling medical disorder. This systematic review of randomized placebo-controlled trials (RCTs) provides evidence of the efficacy of medication, and SSRIs in par...
Date:   Jul 2000
Results 1 to 20 displayed.