The book "Phobias" by Judy Monroe gives a very good definition of phobias, discussing every subject behind them, different types of phobias, and what is done to treat them. A phobia is an irrational, abnormal, or exaggerated fear. With phobias, the emotional and physical reactions are intensified. Phobics become abnormally terrified of threat of danger. Their bodies will react to fear in various ways such as sweating, shaking or trembling, or quick, shallow breathing. The National Institutes of Mental Health and the Anxiety Disorders Association of America found that up to 12% of Americans have phobias, and phobias strike more women than men.
There are three types of phobias: specific phobia, social phobia, and agoraphobia. Someone with specific phobia has an unreasonable, persistent fear of a specific object or situa
Nobody knows for sure what causes phobias, but scientists have come up with many theories. Some researchers say that phobias arise when people ignore unresolved problems and conflicts. Other researchers say that certain people develop phobias because of their body chemistry. Some researchers believe that people learn fear through direct experience. Another group of researchers point to culture as the cause of phobias. Researchers have performed numerous experiments to find the cause of phobias, not finding a single theory to be completely correct. Many researchers tend to think that simple phobias come from early experience and learning.
tion, like closed spaces, heights, and animals for example. Someone with social phobia fear situations that involve people, like speaking in public or eating in a public restaurant.
All papers and essays are for research and reference purposes only!
Copyright 2002-2009
Direct Essays , LLC. All Rights Reserved. DMCA Webmasters make $$$$