Phobias, Fears and Panic Attacks
When we are confronted with a clear, real and immediate threat to our
safety, the adaptive responses we have at our disposal are fight or flight
(and sometimes freeze). These are the end result of the activation of
the sympathetic nervous system (SNS), which is basically our internal
alarm system that switches on to help us to get out of danger and keep
us alive. Phobias occur when the brain's warning system forms an inappropriate
connection with what is objectively considered to be a low-threat object
(i.e., spiders, dogs, needles) or a low-probability-of-harm situation
(i.e., walking outside, using transportation, social interactions, being
in an elevator, going to the dentist). An excessive fear of illness can
also provoke the SNS; in this case, the trigger for the fear is within,
and not so easy to avoid as external objects or situations. Panic attacks
typically occur when the feared object/situation triggers or sets off
the SNS, causing in effect a false alarm.
Typically, with a phobia or fear, the probability of actual
physical or psychological harm is extremely low. Therefore,
it is not adaptive to have the rush of adrenaline and feelings
of anxiety, which would be useful to enhance survival in
an actual emergency. Under the false alarm scenario, these
reactions become maladaptive, or harmful, taking a physical
and emotional toll on the person, for no good purpose. In
reality, chances are almost 100% that no harm will occur,
but for the person that has the phobia, it seems as though
the threat is present right now. This connection between
the feared object/situation and the SNS is learned, and
the association can be unlearned (extinguished), or at the
least, managed successfully.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy has a demonstrated high success
rate in helping people to deal with and overcome phobias
and excessive fear reactions. Help begins with a phone call.
CTA is a network of experienced therapists across the New
York metro area. We strive to match you with the right therapist
for you, to help you to effectively manage and overcome
phobias, fears or panic attacks. To inquire about an appointment,
please call us at (212) 258-2577.
Keywords: phobia, social phobia, commitment phobia, type
of phobia, fear and phobia, dental phobia, needle phobia,
phobia treatment, fear of flying, primal fear, fear of public
speaking, fear of commitment, fear of heights, fear of death,
fear of intimacy, fear of the dark, panic attack, panic
disorder, panic attack symptom, anxiety and panic attack,
panic disorder treatment.
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