Phobias Essay Example for Free

Phobias EssayA phobia is a communal word to describe an unhealthy set in which people experience defective dismay of certain things or phenomena and demonstrate irrational behavior. The standard checkup exam definition of phobia defines it as early always, excessive dismay of about particular type of object or situation fear that is persistent and without sound grounds, or without grounds accepted as reasonable by the sufferer (Beck, Emery, Greenberg 1985115). Over any, the primary(prenominal) symptoms of a phobia atomic number 18 the presence of fear and by avoidance behavior (Hamilton 1995170). This fear should be excessive and manifested in physical symptoms, much(prenominal) as dryness of the mouth, nausea, sweat, and even faintness. The presence of excessive fear then leads a person to avoid the dreaded situation. Whatever the symptoms of the phobia might be, it is certain that phobias are a serious condition that can adversely affect the life of a person. In the following, we debate various typical types of phobias, demonstrating their harmful influence on peoples lives. One of the most common phobias is agoraphobia, a generalized fear of leaving home or a small known safe and sound area, and of possible panic attacks that might follow.Agoraphobia is the only phobia regularly treated as a medical condition (Wikipedia, 2006). This condition is sensation of the few phobias that are regularly treated with medication and behavioral therapy. When preface in individuals, agoraphobia can seriously impair an individuals ability to interact with the environment. Quite often, it impart restrict a persons willingness to relocate or even move out of ones home. Agoraphobia typically emerges in individuals in their twenties who have a a lowered doorstep for panic attacks associated with separation (Beck, Emery, Greenberg 1985 134).Another widespread type is genial phobia related to the general loathe of society aggravated to the degree of a me dical condition. Another term for the same disease is the social anxiety disorder. The medical definition describes this phobia as excessive long-lasting social anxiety cause relatively extreme distress and impaired ability to function in at least some areas of daily life (Wikipedia, 2006). This fear can be seen in ordinary shyness which is characteristic of close to all people in certain situations. However, whether shyness can be seen as a phobic condition is a matter of debate.In addition, there are more specific conditions that focus on selected objects or situations. One example is needle phobia, a recently defined medical condition that affects at least 10% of the population (Hamilton 1995170). The people who suffer from this condition have developed an aversion to all kinds of medical procedures that involve an injection, which often triggers an avoidance of health care as a whole. It is certain that this condition can put the lives of people who demonstrate it in serious d anger if it leads them to neglect a prognosticate to a doctor.Therefore, phobias are serious health disorders that have the potential to seriously disrupt an individuals life. Whereas people often demonstrate irrational behavior, only some instances have been classified as medical conditions qualifying for the definition of phobia. These include agoraphobia, or fear of open spaces or unwillingness to leave the familiar space, social phobia, also known as social anxiety disorder, and some more specific conditions, such as needle phobia. To a different degree, these phobias are widely spread and affect a larger proportion of population.