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01 Nov 2021 | 04:56 PM (IST)

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Phobia

Definition

A phobia is a type of anxiety disorder. It is a strong, irrational fear of something that poses little or no real danger. A phobia often makes a person fearful for certain situation and as a result the person may get severe symptoms.

Causes and Risk Factors

Phobias usually start in children or teens, and continue into adulthood. The causes of specific phobias are not known, but they sometimes run in families.

Signs and Symptoms

Common symptoms of phobia include:

1. Anxiety

2. Fear

3. Restlessness

4. Extremely self-conscious in everyday social situations (social phobia)

5. Panic and fear

6. Rapid heartbeat

7. Shortness of breath

8. Trembling

9. Strong desire to get away

Treatment

Treatment mostly involves:

1. Medication

2. Therapy

NIH: National Institute of Mental Health

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