Which Phobia is Classified as a Mental Health Disorder.

Since phobias and mental health disorders go hand in hand, let’s find out the phobia that is classified under mental health disorder. To further buttress this point; let’s briefly have an overview of what a phobia means.

Which Phobia is Classified as a Mental Health

What is a Phobia?

A phobia is basically an intense form of fear or anxiety that occurs as a result of specific situations.

It can also be said to be a strong and sometimes unreasonable repulsion to something that presents little or no risks.

There are situations that trigger phobias, as well as objects. A typical example of objects that trigger a phobia is a person having a panic attack at the sight of a cockroach because of a somewhat traumatizing experience in the past. This person may even have severe anxiety and panic attacks when a roach is being discussed.

Symptoms of Phobia

How do you know you have a phobia for a situation or an object? Here are some of the symptoms of phobias;

  •         Shortness of breath
  •         A quick heartbeat
  •         Panic attacks
  •         Fear and anxiety
  •         Trembling

Phobias and Mental Health

A phobia is classified as an anxiety mental health disorder. A fear becomes a phobia when the level of fear is excessive in comparison to the threat.

When someone experiences anxiety disorder, there is excessive fear or anxiety as opposed to normal feelings of apprehension.

From global research, it was discovered that nearly 30% of adults experience an anxiety disorder at one point in their lives, making it the most prevalent of all mental disorders.

It is pretty normal for people with anxiety disorders to avoid circumstances that would either worsen or trigger their symptoms.

Their work performance, academic progress, and even relationships can be affected by this disorder.

However, the good news is that anxiety disorders can be treated and these treatments can help individuals live normal lives.

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Types of Anxiety Disorders

There are different types of anxiety disorders with five major types including; Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Panic Disorder, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Generalized Anxiety Disorder, and Social Phobia.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

This anxiety disorder is characterized by recurring, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive actions (compulsions).

In the hopes of preventing or eradicating obsessive thoughts, repetitive actions like hand washing, counting, inspecting, or cleaning are frequently carried out.

However, engaging in these “actions” only provides transient comfort, while refraining from doing so significantly raises anxiety.

Panic Disorder

Anxiety disorders like panic disorder are characterized by unprovoked, recurrent attacks of extreme fear coupled with physical symptoms like shortness of breath, heart palpitations, nausea, and abdominal discomfort.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Anxiety disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can appear after exposure to a terrible experience in which severe bodily injury happened or was threatened.

Violent personal assaults, natural or man-made disasters, accidents, or military warfare are examples of traumatic events that can induce PTSD.

Social Phobia

This anxiety disorder called social phobia and also known as social anxiety disorder is characterized by overwhelming anxiety in routine social situations.

In its most severe form, a social phobia may be so widespread that a person experiences symptoms almost whenever they are around other people.

Examples of situations where social phobia may be restricted include, fear of speaking in formal or informal settings, eating or drinking in public, and speaking in front of others.

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Treatment

To ensure that there is no physical issue causing the symptoms, the first step is to visit your doctor. A mental health expert can assist you in determining the most effective treatment if an anxiety problem is identified.

Sadly, many people who suffer from anxiety disorders choose not to get treatment. They’re unaware that they have a condition for which there are reliable therapies available for treatment.

While every anxiety condition is different, two methods of treatment; psychotherapy, or “talk therapy,” and medications seem to work well for the majority of cases. These remedies can be used individually or in combination.

Conclusion

An individual may experience real, continuous distress as a result of their phobias. The majority of the time, they can be treated, and other times, they can be avoided.

The one thing you should never be frightened of if you have a phobia is asking for help.

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