Understanding phobias (or irrational fears) and possible treatments for these disorders.
Understanding phobias (or irrational fears) and possible treatments for these disorders.
There are certain frequent fears in the normal development of a child: separation, fear of the dark, fear of “monsters”, etc. These fears appear and disappear naturally without having a significant impact on the well-being of the child and the parents.
However, if fears set in over time and impact the behaviour and well-being of the child, it is advisable to undertake a specific accompaniment with a paediatrician.
Phobia is more than just a fear, it’s an anxiety disorder. It can appear after a particularly unpleasant, stressful or shocking experience.
The origin of phobias is difficult to identify. Many factors (neurobiological, genetic, psychological or environmental) seem to play a role in their appearance. It seems possible that some frequently encountered fears are part of our genetic heritage (in order to preserve ourselves and survive).
It is estimated that in France, 1 in 10 people suffer from phobia. Women are more affected than men by these anxiety disorders.
We find that some phobias are more common than others. Among them are:
The first step in supporting this anxiety disorder is the diagnosis. To do this, health professionals rely on DSM IV (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders – 4th edition) or ICD-10 (International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems – 10th revision). They can use them in a specific clinical interview to look for signs of a phobia.
Generally, the management of a phobia is done on an outpatient basis with support through psychotherapy and drug treatments.