|
People who experience symptoms associated with phobias – such as anxiety and persistent, irrational fears – may not be aware of the source of their problem. However, if these feelings interfere with their daily lives or become debilitating, they should see a physician.
Before diagnosing a phobia, a physician may perform a complete physical examination and compile a thorough medical history if the physician feels these steps are warranted. Patients will be asked to describe their symptoms and to explain what triggers them and how often they occur. The physician will also want to rule out other medical conditions that could be causing symptoms, such as a heart problem, overactive thyroid gland or substance abuse problems.
In attempting to diagnose a phobia, a physician may ask questions of patients, such as:
-
Do they feel intense fear in situations where they are unable to escape or unable to find help?
-
Does the thought of being exposed to certain objects or situations cause fear?
-
Do they fear social or performance situations (such as public speaking) where they may be judged?
-
Do they avoid certain situations that seem to provoke anxiety?
All anxiety disorders have their own criteria as defined by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual IV-TR (DSM-IV). Some criteria apply to all phobias. For instance, a phobia is not diagnosed when there is another illness (medical or emotional) causeing the symptoms but is when the patient either avoids certain situations or objects (to the point where the phobia interferes with normal living), or endures them with great anxiety.
In addition, the patient will generally recognize that their reaction to a stimulus is unreasonable or excessive.
Specific criteria for the three major phobias include the following:
|
Condition
|
Criteria
|
|
Agoraphobia
|
- Anxiety associated with being in places or situations where escape may be difficult or embarrassing or in which help may not be available if needed, resulting in reduction or elimination of leaving the home
|
|
Specific phobia
|
- Persistent, excessive or unreasonable fear when exposed to or in anticipation of encountering a specific object or situation
- Exposure to the stimulus provokes immediate anxiety response
- In patients under age 18, duration of symptoms is at least six months
|
|
Social phobia
|
- Marked, persistent fear of social or performance situations in which a person is exposed to strangers or scrutiny by others
- Exposure to the stimulus provokes immediate anxiety response
- In patients under age 18, duration of symptoms is at least six months
|
A patient who appears to have a phobia may be referred to a psychiatrist or other mental health care professional who can help make a specific diagnosis and treat the condition. Patients may be asked to fill out questionnaires or self-assessments that can help pinpoint a diagnosis. In many cases, phobias are symptoms of other anxiety disorders or mental illnesses such as depression, substance abuse or eating disorders.
|
/doctor_89.jpg "ulcerative colitis tips")