Phobias

Symptoms of phobia can include feeling anxious, sweating and feeling sick.

There are different types of phobias. Some cause a fear of a specific thing, while others cause fears of more general, everyday situations.

There are things you can do to help manage a phobia, such as making lifestyle changes and talking to people you trust.

Phobias are often treated with talking therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). If that does not work, medicines may be prescribed.

Symptoms of a phobia include:

• severe anxiety and worry
• feeling dizzy and lightheaded
• a more noticeable or unusual heartbeat (palpitations)
• tightness in your chest
• feeling sick or being sick, or diarrhoea
• trembling or shaking
• a strong or intense fear that you may faint, lose control or die

• you think you have a phobia and the symptoms are affecting your life

There are many different phobias and they're usually caused by a particular thing or situation.

Some phobias are only triggered when you come into contact with the object or situation that causes them. These include phobias of:

• animals, such as dogs, insects or snakes
• situations, such as flying, heights, being in a small space
• bodily fluids, such as blood or vomit

Other phobias may have more of an impact on your life. These include phobias of:

• going outside (agoraphobia)
• talking to and interacting with other people (social anxiety)

More information

Mind: phobias (including different types)

Phobias are different for everyone but there are things you can do to manage and improve your symptoms.

• try breathing exercises to help you relax

• talk to someone you trust about your phobia

• join a self-help group online or in person - meeting others with similar phobias and experiences can help

• be careful about looking up information online - you may not be ready to see triggering images

• check places like zoos and airlines for sessions they may run for people with phobias

• do not have energy drinks or drinks containing caffeine after 3pm, as it can affect your sleep and make your anxiety worse

Phobias can be difficult to cope with, but treatment can help manage your symptoms.

Treatments for phobias include:

• talking therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
• hypnotherapy
• medicines such as antidepressants, beta blockers, and sedatives that calm and relax

You can refer yourself directly to an NHS talking therapies service without a referral from a GP

More information

• Find an NHS talking therapies service
• Mind website: treatment for phobias (including hypnotherapy for phobias)

It’s not always clear why some phobias start but many can be linked to a frightening event or stressful situation. They usually develop as a child, teenager or young adult.

You may be more likely to have a phobia if:

• a frightening childhood experience – for example, being chased by a dog may cause a phobia of dogs
• you had family or friends with a phobia – it's possible to learn it from others
• other people have reacted to your panic or fear negatively – being embarrassed about your reaction to your phobia can increase your anxiety
• you’re a woman – anxiety disorders are more common in women than in men
• you have a family history of anxiety disorders