Causes and risk factors
The exact cause of phobias is not known. However there are varieties of factors that can trigger phobias. Various events in life like death of loved ones, disappointment in love or financial loss, sexual abuse, foster care, etc can evoke phobias. Certain use of medications also contributes to it.Neurotransmittor imbalance along with genetic factors also contribute to phobias.
Clinical presentation:
Phobias are generally of 3 types- specific, social and agoraphobia. Some people have fear of certain objects or situations e.g.: fear of some animals like snakes, mice or fear of heights or water .It is called as specific phobia. Agoraphobia is fear of being alone at any place or in any situation from where the person finds difficulty in moving out like crowded areas. Some prefer to remain in isolation or find difficulty in being with people, they have a fear of being humiliated or they feel they are been continuously watched by someone. Such type of phobia is called as social phobia. Person with phobia has a feeling of panic or terrible terror. The response to the situation is exaggerated. The patient experience palpitation, sweating, shortness of breath and trembling. The patient experience difficulty in breathing. Some may come up with complaints of disturbed sleep, diarrhea, dizziness, faintness too. All this can lead to depression, and social isolation. It can also hamper the interpersonal relationship. It also results in reduce self esteem, decrease work efficiency and disturb the daily routine.
Investigations:
Diagnosis can be made on the basis of the symptoms narrated by the patients and on the basis of complete psychiatric evaluation. Reviewing of the history is the most essential step. All the details are obtained from the family and friends. Close observation in such cases is essential. Investigations can be advised in cases where the doctor suspects any pathology.
Treatment:
Anti psychotic or anti anxiety medications are the first lines of treatment in such cases. Psychotherapy plays a major role in this. It comprises of counseling and interpersonal therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy has found to be effective in such cases. Support and care by family and friends will help the patient to cope up with the complaints. Indulgence in positive recreational activity, inculcating meditational and spiritual support, getting involved in positive recreational activity is the certain steps to be implemented.
Other Modes of treatment:
Certain other modes of treatment can also be helpful in coping up the symptom. Taking into consideration the symptoms in holistic way, homoeopathy can offer a good aid for the relief of the symptoms.
