Phobias

Phobia is a constant, extreme or irrational fear of an animal, object, place or situation that would not normally worry most people.

It is characterised by an overwhelming need to avoid any contact with the specific cause of the anxiety or fear. Even the thought of coming into contact with the cause of the phobia causes anxiety or panic.

Everyday life is not affected much if it is unlikely that you will come into contact with the object of your phobia (for example, snakes) but agoraphobia and social phobia can make it very hard to lead a normal life.

Simple phobias ares about a single object, situation or activity. Common examples are a fear of insects, heights, snakes, enclosed spaces, dentists or flying.

Complex phobias, like agoraphobia involve several anxieties, including fear of entering shops, crowds and public places, or of travelling in trains, buses or planes. It also includes anxiety of being unable to escape to a place of safety, usually home.

Social phobia is another complex phobia involving 1-2% of men and women who fear social or performance situations, such as a wedding or public speaking in case they embarrass themselves or are humiliated in public. In extreme cases, some people are too afraid to leave their home.

This text gives an overview into the conditions an IAPT service will treat.  It has been prepared here for you to use as you see fit in your locally produced materials.

All material has been taken from NHS Choices and is therefore nationally approved at the time of this toolkit’s publication.  More in depth and up to date information can be found online at NHS Choices www.nhs.uk

The Information Prescription Service available on NHS Choices is an excellent service covering the many different aspects of depression and anxiety disorders.

NHS Choices online: www.nhs.uk