Phobias
A phobia is an irrational fear of a particular object or situation. It causes intense anxiety to the individual and can give rise to great discomfort and distress.
The British Medical Association (BMA) defines phobia as, "A persistent, irrational fear of a certain object or situation". Many people have minor phobias, which may cause distress but do not affect everyday life. A phobia is considered a psychiatric disorder when it interferes with normal social functioning.
Simple phobias are the most common. These problems may involve fear of particular animals or situations, such as enclosed spaces (claustrophobia). Animal phobias usually start in childhood, but other types of phobia can develop at any time.
More severe, pervasive fears are called Complex phobias. One form is agoraphobia, which often causes severe impairment. The disorder usually starts in the late teens or early 20s. Another Complex phobia is social phobia - fear of being exposed to scrutiny, such as a fear of eating or speaking in public. The onset of this disorder usually occurs in late childhood or early adolescence.
Exposure to the feared object or situation causes intense anxiety and, in some cases, may lead to a panic attack. The person may start to avoid any situation that might involve contact with the trigger for the fear, and this may adversely affect his or her lifestyle. Phobias may also be associated with depression or with obsessive-compulsive behaviour. In addition, the person may attempt to relieve the fear by using drugs or drinking alcohol to excess". - Family Medical Encyclopaedia
Whatever the cause or complexity of the phobia, the individual concerned suffers greatly when faced with the particular object or situation that causes the phobia.
Hypnosis can cure you of your phobias. Fear of flying can ruin the enjoyment of a person's holiday. Hypnosis can put that right. By accessing your subconscious mind where your phobia is lodged, hypnotherapy can cure it so that you can lead a better, healthier and happier lifestyle.