SPECIFIC PHOBIAS

Specific phobias do not generally respond to drug therapy. The main treatment is behavioral therapy, specifically, exposure therapy. The goal of exposure therapy is gradual desensitization to the object(s) of the phobia to the point where the patient has the phobia under control. Exposure is accomplished in stages, commencing with imaging - imagining and talking about the object of the phobia with a therapist - and working gradually toward actual exposure. Relaxation techniques are included in exposure therapy. The patient works toward an understanding either of the lack of threat posed by the object of the phobia, or that they can have rational control of their feelings and reactions toward it.

Exposure therapy has been found effective in up to 90% of patients with specific phobias. Because patients can be taught self-exposure techniques, treatment is quick and cost-effective. Exposure therapy can be accompanied by treatment with an anxiolytic, although this therapy can be very effective without accompanying medication.

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