What is the definition of a specific phobia?

What is the definition of a specific phobia?

Specific phobia is an intense, irrational fear of something that poses little or no actual danger. Although adults with phobias may realize that these fears are irrational, even thinking about facing the feared object or situation brings on severe anxiety symptoms.

Who discovered specific phobia?

1960s: British psychiatrist Isaac Marks proposed that social phobias be considered a distinct category separate from other simple phobias.

What is the history of phobia?

The term “phobia” for fear or terror was coined by the Greeks long ago. In fact, the Greeks used the word phobia with a Latin or Greek prefix to convey different kinds of fear.

When was specific phobia first diagnosed?

The diagnosis of phobic reaction was described in two short paragraphs in the first edition of the American Psychiatric Association DSM in 1952,24 which stated that “the commonly observed forms of phobic reaction include fear of syphilis, dirt, closed places, high places, open places, animals, etc.

What causes specific phobia?

The exact cause of specific phobias is not known, but most appear to be associated with a traumatic experience or a learned reaction. For example, a person who has a frightening or threatening experience with an animal, such as an attack or being bitten, can develop a specific phobia.

What is the difference between a specific phobia and a social phobia?

Specific (simple) phobias, which are the most common and focus on specific objects. Social phobia, which causes extreme anxiety in social or public situations, and. Agoraphobia, which is the fear of being alone in public places from which there is no easy escape.

What is specific phobia PDF?

Background: Specific phobia is the most prevalent anxiety disorder in the community and is associated with substantial impairment. Comorbidity with physical diseases is assumed and has important implications for etiology, treatment, or prevention of the comorbid conditions.

What is the most common specific phobia?

Animal phobias: Examples include the fear of dogs, snakes, insects, or mice. Animal phobias are the most common specific phobias.

When was social phobia discovered?

Social anxiety disorder (previously termed ‘social phobia’) was formally recognised as a separate phobic disorder in the mid-1960s (Marks & Gelder, 1965). The term ‘social anxiety disorder’ reflects current understanding, including in diagnostic manuals, and is used throughout the guideline.

What language did phobia come from?

A phobia is an irrational fear of something that’s unlikely to cause harm. The word itself comes from the Greek word“phobos,” which means “fear” or “horror.”

Where do specific phobias come from?

Many phobias develop as a result of having a negative experience or panic attack related to a specific object or situation. Genetics and environment. There may be a link between your own specific phobia and the phobia or anxiety of your parents — this could be due to genetics or learned behavior. Brain function.

What are the symptoms of specific phobia?

Symptoms of having a specific phobia often include uncomfortable and terrifying feelings of anxiety:

• a feeling of imminent danger or doom.
• the need to escape.
• heart palpitations.
• sweating.
• trembling.
• shortness of breath or a smothering feeling.
• a feeling of choking.
• chest pain or discomfort.