DiagnosisDiagnosis of specific phobias is based on a thorough clinical interview and diagnostic guidelines. Your doctor will ask questions about your symptoms and take a medical, psychiatric and social history. He or she may use the diagnostic criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), published by the American Psychiatric Association. Show
TreatmentThe best treatment for specific phobias is a form of psychotherapy called exposure therapy. Sometimes your doctor may also recommend other therapies or medication. Understanding the cause of a phobia is actually less important than focusing on how to treat the avoidance behavior that has developed over time. The goal of treatment is to improve quality of life so that you're no longer limited by your phobias. As you learn how to better manage and relate to your reactions, thoughts and feelings, you'll find that your anxiety and fear are reduced and no longer in control of your life. Treatment is usually directed at one specific phobia at a time. PsychotherapyTalking with a mental health professional can help you manage your specific phobia. Exposure therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy are the most effective treatments.
MedicationsGenerally psychotherapy using exposure therapy is successful in treating specific phobias. However, sometimes medications can help reduce the anxiety and panic symptoms you experience from thinking about or being exposed to the object or situation you fear. Medications may be used during initial treatment or for short-term use in specific, infrequently encountered situations, such as flying on an airplane, public speaking or going through an MRI procedure.
Lifestyle and home remediesAsk your doctor or other health care professional to suggest lifestyle and other strategies to help you manage the anxiety that accompanies specific phobias. For example:
Coping and supportProfessional treatment can help you overcome your specific phobia or manage it effectively so you don't become a prisoner to your fears. You can also take some steps on your own:
Helping your child cope with fears As a parent, there's a lot you can do to help your child cope with fears. For example:
If your child's fears seem to be excessive, persistent and interfere with daily life, talk with your child's doctor for advice on whether professional diagnosis and treatment are indicated. Preparing for your appointmentIf you've made the choice to seek help for a specific phobia, you've taken a huge first step. You may start by talking to your primary care doctor. Depending on your situation, your doctor may refer you to a mental health professional for evaluation and treatment. What you can doBefore your appointment, make a list of:
Questions to ask might include:
Don't hesitate to ask other questions during your appointment. What to expect from your doctorBe ready to answer your doctor's questions to reserve time to go over points you want to spend more time on. Your doctor may ask:
Oct. 19, 2016 Which of the following behavior therapy techniques has been used to help people overcome a fear of flying quizlet?Which of the following behavior therapy techniques would MOST likely be used to treat a fear of flying? cognitive therapy.
Which of the following techniques would a Behaviour therapist use to treat a client?Behavioral therapy techniques use reinforcement, punishment, shaping, modeling, and related techniques to alter behavior. These methods have the benefit of being highly focused, which means they can produce fast and effective results.
Which of the following techniques will a client centered therapist most likely use?Answer and Explanation: One of the psychotherapeutic techniques that is most likely to be used in client-centered therapy is the reflection of feelings (a).
Which of the following therapists introduced the use of free association?Sigmund Freud was in the process of developing free association from 1892 to 1898. He planned on using it as a new method for exploring the unconscious.
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