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 June 2011

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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 and panic attacks.

Post-Traumatic Stress

HealthInsite Topic Page
Links to information and support services for people suffering from post traumatic stress or PTSD.

16 Resources Found

Results 1 to 16 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 2011
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:   Nov 2011
Title:   Fact sheet 38 - Specific phobias
Publisher:   beyondblue
Description:   This fact sheet contains information about the symptoms, causes and treatments for people with specific phobias, imagining or irrationally exaggerating the danger of an object or situation (such as spiders or being in an elevator), resulting in panic, fear or terror that is out of proportion to the actual threat.
Date:   Sep 2011
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:   Sep 2011
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:   Aug 2011
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:   Oct 2010
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.
Date:   Sep 2010
Title:   Fact sheet 39 - Social phobia
Publisher:   beyondblue
Description:   For people with social phobia being the focus of other peoples attention can lead to intense anxiety. This fact sheet includes information on the symptoms, causes and treatments for social phobia.
Date:   May 2010
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:   Jan 2010
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:   Jan 2010
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:   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:   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 16 displayed.