Phobias

It is normal to be nervous before a big date or an important presentation. Social anxiety disorders are distinguished from normal nervousness by the intensity (very high) of your fear, the duration (long term) of the anxiety, and lifestyle impact (i.e.... Full Answer

With fear of heights, as with any phobia, the brain is overprotecting us from a place that is a safe situation. It’s the alarm that keeps going off about the fear that makes us scared and gives us an uncomfortable and uneasy feeling when... Full Answer

A specific phobia is an intense, irrational fear of something that poses little or no actual danger. Some of the more common specific phobias are centered around closed-in places, heights, escalators, tunnels, highway driving, water, flying, dogs, and... Full Answer

Agoraphobia usually starts around the mid 20’s but can get worse over time. The disorder, which involves fear of experiencing panic attacks, peaks in middle age. Watch as Dr. Oz talks more about this disorder. Full Answer

For most people the onset of agoraphobia is gradual. The fear of panic that can keep people inside their homes often starts around the mid-20’s. Watch Dr. Oz talk about who is more likely to develop agoraphobia. Full Answer

Ongoing life stressors, even good ones, increase the likelihood of agoraphobia, the fear of panic attacks that can leave some people home bound. Watch Dr. Oz to learn more about panic attacks and agoraphobia. Full Answer

The primary risk factor for agoraphobia is the presence of panic disorder, that is, current, unexpected panic attacks. Other risk factors include a family history of anxiety. Watch Dr. Oz discuss the risk factors for agoraphobia. Full Answer

Not everyone with agoraphobia is unable to leave their home. But all avoid things such as driving a car for fear of experiencing panic. Watch Dr. Oz discuss agoraphobia and shut-ins.   Full Answer

Up to 3 and a half million Americans or 1 in 20 people suffer the fear of panic known as agoraphobia. At its most extreme, people may not be able to leave their homes. Watch Dr. Oz talk about panic and agoraphobia. Full Answer

Specific phobia is a type of anxiety disorder, and anxiety disorders are usually treated with either psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of both. However, for specific phobias, a type of psychotherapy called CBT, or cognitive-behavioral... Full Answer