Phobias

A phobia is an excessive, pathological and irrational fear. If you have a phobia, you may experience an intense feeling of fear or panic when you encounter the source of your fear. The fear can be of a particular place, situation or object.

Unlike general anxiety disorders, a phobia is usually about something specific.

Here are some of the most common phobias:

Agoraphobia

Agoraphobia is the fear of places or situations from which escape may be difficult. The term itself refers to „fear of open spaces.“ People with agoraphobia fear being in large crowds or feeling trapped outside their home.

Social phobia

Social phobia is also known as social anxiety disorder. It is an intense fear of social situations and can lead to self-isolation.

Acrophobia

This is the fear of heights. People with this phobia avoid mountains, bridges, or higher floors of buildings.

Claustrophobia

This is the fear of closed or confined spaces. Severe claustrophobia can be particularly problematic if it prevents you from getting into a car or an elevator.

Hemophobia

This is a phobia of blood or injury. A person with hemophobia may faint when coming into contact with their own blood or the blood of another person.

Nyctophobia

This phobia is the fear of night or darkness. It almost always starts as a typical childhood fear.

Glossophobia

This phobia is known as anxiety or fear of public speaking. People with this phobia experience severe physical symptoms even at the thought of speaking in front of a group of people.

Aviophobia

This is also known as the fear of flying. People with this phobia avoid traveling by plane, and if they must, they experience panic throughout the entire journey.

Dentophobia

Dentophobia is the fear of dentists or dental procedures. This phobia typically develops after an unpleasant experience at the dentist’s office. It can be harmful if it prevents you from receiving necessary dental care.

The most common symptom of a phobia is a panic attack, which can cause a person to fall into a state of stupor. Characteristics of a panic attack include:

strong heartbeat
shortness of breath
rapid speech or inability to speak
dry mouth
upset stomach
nausea
increased blood pressure
trembling
chest pain or tightness
sensation of choking
dizziness
excessive sweating
sensation of impending doom

Hypnosis can also be an effective treatment for people with phobias. Hypnotherapy works by accessing the underlying cause of the phobia and eliminating the individual's conditioned response to the stimulus. The hypnotherapist will use techniques to help the person relax and focus. This state of heightened relaxation and concentration is called hypnotic trance.