Psychological disorders and phobias are considered psychological problems that arise as a result of a combination of complex factors. The effects of biological, environmental and genetic factors are important in the formation of these disorders. Learned behaviors and traumatic experiences may be effective in the formation of phobias. For example, a snake phobia may develop as a result of a bad experience with a snake in a person’s childhood.
What causes phobia?
Phobias can be affected by genetic factors. For example, people whose parents have a phobia have a higher risk of developing one. A phobia may develop as a result of a traumatic experience that a person has experienced. For example, if a person is bitten by a dog, he or she may begin to fear dogs. A person may develop a phobia by learning from past experiences. For example, if a person sees a friend’s fear of heights, he or she may develop a fear of heights themselves. Phobias usually begin in childhood or adolescence. However, it can also develop in adulthood. Phobias are a treatable disorder. With the right treatment, a person can reduce his fear and anxiety and continue his daily life normally.
How is phobia treated?
The most commonly used method in the treatment of phobia cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)is. CBT is a therapy method that involves gradually exposing a person to a feared object, situation, or activity to help the person reduce their fear and anxiety. Phobias are treatable psychological disorders. Commonly used methods in the treatment of phobias are:
- Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT is one of the most effective methods of treating phobias. This therapy helps the person understand and change their irrational fears. The individual learns how to cope with the object or situation he fears.
- Systematic Desensitization: In this method, the person is accustomed to being exposed to what he or she fears. Exposure to similar situations, initially less frightening, is gradually directed towards the feared object.
- Medicines: Medication can help relieve the symptoms of phobias in some cases. If anxiety symptoms are especially severe, doctors may recommend anxiolytic medications or antidepressants.
- Self-Help Techniques: Personal skills development methods such as deep breathing, muscle relaxation exercises and positive thinking practice can be used to cope with phobia.
- Group Therapy: Support groups can be helpful for individuals who want to cope with phobia. Sharing other people’s experiences and getting support can support the treatment process.
- Virtual Reality Therapy: This method, which is used especially in the treatment of certain phobias, simulates confronting the person with his phobia in a safe environment.
Phobia treatment focuses on helping the individual understand their fears and develop skills to cope with these fears. Treatment is personalized and tailored to the type of phobia, its severity, and the person’s needs. Early diagnosis and treatment are important to relieve symptoms of phobias and improve quality of life. Working with a specialist psychotherapist or psychiatrist may be the most effective way to treat a phobia.
Is phobia genetic?
Phobia may be genetic. Studies have shown that predisposition to phobia is inherited. That is, it is more likely that parents or other relatives of someone with the phobia also have the phobia. However, it is also known that phobia is not caused only by genetic factors. Environmental factors, especially childhood experiences, may play a role in the development of phobia. For example, a person who has had a traumatic experience has a higher risk of developing a phobia.
Phobia may be a learned behavior. For example, a child may learn to fear something that his parent fears. It is thought that phobia occurs through a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Even if the phobia is genetic, it can be cured with treatment. Medication and psychotherapy are effective methods in treating phobia.
Is it possible to treat phobia with EMDR?
Phobia treatment is possible with EMDR. EMDR is a therapy method that helps a person reprocess negative and traumatic memories using eye movements, tactile stimulation, or auditory stimulation. EMDR is a very effective method in the treatment of phobias. Studies have shown that approximately 70% of people treated with EMDR have successful results. In treating phobia with EMDR, the following steps are followed:
- The therapist helps the person identify their fear and phobia.
- The therapist helps the person identify the thoughts and feelings they experience towards the feared object, situation, or activity.
- Using eye movements, tactile stimulation, or auditory stimulation, the therapist helps the person reprocess the negative memories that caused the phobia.
- The therapist evaluates the person’s reaction to the feared object, situation, or activity.
Phobia treatment with EMDR is usually completed in a few sessions. EMDR is a very effective method in the treatment of phobia. However, it may not be suitable for every phobia. People with phobias should consult a psychiatrist to evaluate whether EMDR treatment is suitable for them.