* Vazza is shocked by some peoples responses to this thread
Just remind me never to ask for opinions on some forms of mental health.....
quote:
Taken from BMA Medical Dictionary
Phobia A Persistant, irrational fear of, and desire to avoid, a particular object or situation. Many people have minor phobias. A Phobia is considered a psychiatric disorder when it interferes with normal social functioning. Simple phobias (specific phobias) are the most common. These may involve fear of particular animales or situations e.g. enclosed spaces (claustraphobia) Animal phobias usually start in childhood, but others develop at any time. Treatment depends on the sererity of the condition and the wishes of the individuals.
Agrophobia is a more serious phobia, often causing severe impairment. The disorder usually starts in late teens or early 20's. Social phobia is a fear of being exposed to scruitiny, such as a fear of eating or speaking in public. This disorder usually begins in late childhood or early adolecence.
Causes of phobias are unknown. Simple phobias are thought by some to be a form of conditioning. For example, a person with a fear of dogs, may have been frightened by a dog in childhood.
Exposure to the feared object or situation causes intense anxiety and, in some cases, panic attacks. Phobias may be associated with depression pr obsessive complusive behaviour. Treatment may be behaviour therapy and sometimes, antidepressant drugs.
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