Specific

The Disorders Association of America Everyone thinks that (ADAA) is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit organiza- tion whose mission is to promote the prevention, once I’ve driven on the treatment, and cure of anxiety disorders and to improve the lives of all people who suffer from “highway, I’ve conquered them. Help ADAA help others. Donate now at www.adaa.org. it. They just don’t understand... I don’t For information visit www.adaa.org or contact understand. It’s a day-in Anxiety Disorders Association of America 8730 Georgia Ave., Suite 600 and day-out struggle. Silver Spring, MD 20910

Phone: 240-485-1001 ” Anxiety Disorders Association of America What is a ? About Anxiety Disorders We all have things that frighten us or make us uneasy. New places, insects, driving over high Anxiety is normal. It helps us get out of harm’s way bridges, or creaky elevators. And although we and prepare for important events, and it warns us sometimes try to avoid things that make us when we need to take action. But if you have anxi- uncomfortable, we generally manage to control ety that is persistent, irrational, and overwhelming our and carry on with daily activities. Some and interferes with daily activities, you may have people, however, have very strong irrational, an . involuntary reactions that lead them to avoid The term “anxiety disorders” refers to generalized common everyday places, situations, or objects anxiety disorder (GAD), obsessive-compulsive dis- even though they know logically there isn’t any order (OCD), , posttraumatic danger. The fear doesn’t make any sense, but it disorder (PTSD), disorder, and spe- seems nothing can stop it. When confronted with cific phobias. the feared situation, they may even have a , a spontaneous onset of intense fear that For more information, visit www.adaa.org. makes people feel as if they might stop breathing and pass out, are having a heart attack, or will lose control and die. What’s the difference between normal People who experience these seemingly out-of- anxiety and a phobia? control fears have a phobia. There are three types of phobias – , social phobia (also Normal Anxiety Phobia known as ), and specific phobias. This brochure focuses on specific Feeling queasy while Refusing to attend climbing a tall ladder your best friend’s phobias. For information about agoraphobia wedding because it’s and social phobia, visit www.adaa.org. on the 25th floor of What is a specific phobia? a hotel

People with a specific phobia have an excessive Worrying about Turning down a big and unreasonable fear in the presence of or in taking off in an promotion because anticipation of a specific object, place, or situa- airplane during a it involves air travel tion. Common specific phobias include animals, lightning storm insects, heights, thunder, driving, public transpor- tation, Feeling anxious Avoiding visiting flying, dental or medical procedures, and eleva- around your your neighbors for tors. A person with a phobia realizes that neighbor’s pit bull fear of seeing a dog the fear is irrational, but even thinking about it can cause extreme anxiety.

Anxiety Disorders Association of America www.adaa.org What treatments are available? Most individuals who seek treatment for pho- bias and other anxiety disorders see significant improvement and enjoy a better quality of life. A variety of treatment options exists, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), , anxiety management, relaxation tech- I was so relieved when niques, and medications. One or a combination my doctor put a name of these may be recommended. Details about these treatments are available on the ADAA to my problem, to website at www.adaa.org. discover that there are There is no single best treatment. What works “other people like me, for one person may not be the best choice for to learn that someone else. A course of treatment should be there is hope. tailored to individual needs. Ask your doctor to explain why a particular type of treatment is being recommended, what other options are available, and what you need to do to fully par- How can specific phobias affect ticipate in your recovery. your life? ” The impact of a phobia on your life depends on How can ADAA help you? how easy it is to avoid the feared object, place, Suffering from a specific phobia or any anxiety or situation. Since individuals do whatever they disorder can interfere with many aspects of your can to avoid the uncomfortable and often terri- life. You may feel alone, embarrassed, or frightened. fying feelings of phobic anxiety, phobias can dis- ADAA can provide the resources that will help you rupt daily routines, limit work efficiency, reduce and your loved ones better understand your condi- self-esteem, and place a strain on relationships. tion, connect you with a community of people who know what you are experiencing, and assist you in finding local professionals. Visit the What causes specific phobias? ADAA website at www.adaa.org to locate mental Specific phobias are the most common type of health professionals who treat phobias and other anxiety disorder, affecting 19 million American anxiety disorders in your area, as well as local sup- adults. Most phobias seem to come out of the port groups. Learn about the causes, symptoms, blue, usually arising in childhood or early and best treatments for anxiety disorders, review adulthood. Scientists believe that phobias questions to ask a therapist or doctor, and find help- can be traced to a combination of genetic ful materials for family and loved ones. ADAA is here tendencies, brain chemistry and other biological, to help you make good decisions so that you can psychological, and environmental factors. get on with your life.

Anxiety Disorders Association of America www.adaa.org You are not alone. Talk to someone – a friend, Take Five loved one, or doctor. Get help. Anxiety & Manage Your Anxiety disorders are real, serious, and treatable.

Whether you have Exercise. Talk to Keep a Eat a balanced Visit normal anxiety Go for a someone … daily journal. diet. Don’t skip ADAA at or an anxiety walk or jog. spouse, Become meals. Avoid www.adaa.org. disorder, these Do yoga. significant other, aware of caffeine, which Let us help strategies will Dance. Just friend, child, what triggers can trigger you help help you cope: get1 moving! or2 doctor. your3 anxiety. anxiety 4 symptoms. 5yourself.

Specific Phobias Self-Test Having more than one illness at the same time can make it difficult to diagnose and treat the different If you think you might have a specific phobia, take conditions. Conditions that sometimes complicate the test below. Answer “yes” or “no” to the ques- anxiety disorders include and substance tions and discuss the results with your doctor. abuse, among others. The following information will help your health care professional in evaluating you Are you troubled by... for a specific phobia.

 Y  N Fear of places or situations where getting help or escape might be In the last year, have you experienced... difficult, such as in a crowd or on  Y  N Changes in sleeping or eating habits? a bridge?  Y  N Feeling sad or depressed more days   or a racing heart Y N than not? for no apparent reason when confronting certain situations?  Y  N A disinterest in life more days than not?  Y  N Persistent and unreasonable fear of an object or situation, such  Y  N A feeling of worthlessness or guilt as flying, heights, animals, more days than not? blood, etc.?

 Y  N Being unable to travel alone? During the last year, has your use of alcohol or drugs...  Y  N Fears that continue despite causing problems for you or  Y  N Resulted in failure at work or school your loved ones? school or difficulties with your family

 Y  N Fear that interferes with your  Y  N Placed you in a dangerous situation, daily life? such as driving under the influence?

 Y  N Gotten you arrested?

 Y  N Continued despite causing problems for you or your loved ones?

Anxiety Disorders Association of America www.adaa.org