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Common Specific Phobias

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Everyone has a point in their life when they feel anxious or nervous. First day of a job, driving on the interstate, or even meeting new people can cause sweaty hands, shakiness, and heart pounding. These are all signs can lead to the diagnosis of anxiety. For some people the anxiety can help them focus on a task, but for others it can interfere with the work set before them. If it were at a point of no control then he or she may be suffering from a type of mental disorder more commonly known as an anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders are not just nerves, a person cannot overcome it on his or her own. If possible the person would completely avoid the sources of anxiety at all cost and not face it on his or her own (“Phobias”). This is called …show more content…

For example agoraphobia is being afraid in public place where he or she cannot find an escape or have assistance. This can cause them to experience a panic attack and not able to function properly. This disease is more common in poor people rather than wealthy people, as well as it can occur more with women than men. People with agoraphobia avoid crowded areas, airplanes, bus stations, and more. It is as if they are becoming prisoners in their own home. There are different types of treatments for people with specific phobias such as systematic desensitization, flooding, and modeling. All these different approaches are generalized as exposure treatments. The best way to treat clients with agoraphobia is through the exposure treatments. It can cause some relief and less anxiety, but also if they join in support groups or self-help programs the more likely they are to succeed. The encouragement for someone who also suffers from the same anxiety disorder is more helpful and motivates both of them more (Comer …show more content…

Often people experience panic attacks sometimes it can be one or two in a lifetime or it can be repeatedly suffering from a panic disorder. Panic attacks have “at least four of the following symptoms of panic: palpitations of the heart, tingling in the hands or feet, shortness of breath, sweating, hot and cold flashes, trembling, chest pains, choking sensations, faintness, dizziness, and a feeling of unreality (Comer 157).” There are two different perspectives for panic disorders, the biological perspective and the cognitive perspective. The biological perspective is linked to antidepressant drugs that carry into the activities of the norepinephrine in one’s brain. The cognitive perspective is when a biological factor is only a part of the reason why people have panic attacks. People with panic disorders are not able to function regularly. They need some type of help and guidance to help them perform day-to-day activities. Therapy sessions both biological and cognitive allow the chance to help improve the patient’s misinterpretations of their bodies’ reaction. In excess to help stop the frequent panic attacks, and allow the patients to live a regular

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