Phobias and How They Are Treated

Feeling a little scared now and then is normal. But when fear is persistent, overwhelming and limits your life, it may be a phobia. At Banner Health, our mental health experts can help diagnose, treat and support you through phobias, so you feel more in control. 

What are phobias? 

A phobia is an extreme, unreasonable fear of a person, place, object or situation — even when there’s little real danger. Unlike everyday worry, phobias can cause intense reactions and interfere with daily life. 

Types of phobias 

You may experience different kinds of phobias: 

• Specific phobia: Fear of one type of thing, such as animals (spiders, dogs), heights, flying, thunderstorms, the dentist or needles. These may be inherited or run in families. 
• Social phobia (social anxiety disorder): Fear of social situations, being judged, embarrassed or humiliated. Common concerns include public speaking or social gatherings. 
• Agoraphobia: Fear of being in places where escape might be difficult or help unavailable. You may avoid crowds, public transport or open spaces. It can involve panic symptoms. 

Phobias can begin in childhood (ages 5-9) or develop later in life. Childhood phobias may fade on their own; phobias that start in adulthood are more likely to persist without treatment. 

Signs of phobias 

If you have a phobia, you may experience: 

• Intense fear or panic when facing or thinking about the source of your fear 
• Rapid heart rate, sweating, trembling, shortness of breath or chest tightness 
• Avoidance of the feared object or situation 
• Feeling your fear is exaggerated but being unable to control it 
• Symptoms worsening as you get closer to the feared trigger 
• Physical symptoms such as nausea, dizziness or fainting (especially with blood/injury phobias) 

Screening and diagnosis 

Your provider or mental health specialist will: 

• Ask how your fear affects your daily life 
• Use criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) to identify a specific phobia 
• Check if there are other anxiety disorders or mental health conditions present 
• Decide together whether treatment is needed 

If you avoid important activities, your fear disrupts work or school, or panic attacks happen — talk to your provider. 

Treatment for phobias 

Most phobias respond well to treatment through therapy, medication or both. 

Therapy options: 

• Exposure therapy: Gradually and safely facing your fear in controlled steps helps build confidence and reduce fear responses. 
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): Combines exposure with techniques to reshape thoughts and feelings about the feared object or situation. 
• Therapist-led support and skills training are also part of the treatment plan. 

Medication options: 

• Beta-blockers to reduce physical symptoms like a shaky voice or racing heart during fear-provoking situations. 
• Short-term sedatives in some cases (for example before speaking publicly or flying). 
• Antidepressants may be used when phobias occur alongside other anxiety disorders. 

Your Banner Health provider will create a personalized plan based on your specific phobia, medical history and treatment goals. 

Take the next step 

No matter your phobia or how long it has been there, you do not have to face it alone. The team at Banner Health is ready to help you manage your fear and get back to living life more freely. Contact us today to talk about your symptoms and treatment options.