User:Mjcorlew/Phobia

The DSM-5 lists three types of phobias- which an individual can be diagnosed with: Agoraphobia, Social Phobia (also known as Social Anxiety), and Specific Phobia.

 Specific Phobia 

In order to be diagnosed with Specific Phobia, there are five criteria which must be met. First, there is a marked fear of specific objects or situations. Examples included in the DSM-5 are heights, blood, and animals. Second, the object or situation always causes fear to the individual. Third, the object or situation is avoided; if an individual is unable to avoid the object or situation, then experiencing the object comes with excessive distress. Fourth, the fear experienced by the individual is out of proportion to the actual threat caused by the object or situation, and significant distress occurs in important areas of functioning (e.g., work, school, social life, etc.). Finally, the fear and anxiety lasts for six months or more.

 Social Phobia 

In order to be diagnosed with Social Phobia, there are eight criteria which must be met. First, there is marked fear about at least one social situation where scrutiny by others is possible. This can include social situations where an individual is being observed or is performing in front of others. Second, the individual fears that their anxiety symptoms will be visible to others, which will result in negative evaluation. Third, the situation(s) always cause the individual to be fearful or anxious. Fourth, the anxiety about the social situation(s) is out of proportion to the actual threat caused by the situation. Fifth, the social situation(s) cause significant distress in important areas of functioning (e.g., work, school, social life, etc.) Six, the anxiety and fear is not caused by the effects of substances. Finally, the anxiety and fear must occur for at least six months.

 Agoraphobia 

Agoraphobia is the fear of places and situations which may cause panic, helplessness, and embarrassment. There are six criteria that must be met in order to be diagnosed. First, there is a marked fear about at least two of the following situations: public transportation, open spaces, standing in line or being in a crowd, enclosed spaces, or being outside of the home without a companion. Second, there is fear specifically about difficulty in escaping the situation. Third, the situations always cause the individual to experience fear and anxiety. Fourth, the individual will try to avoid the situation unless a companion is present. Fifth, the fear is out of proportion to the actual threat caused by the situation(s). Finally, the anxiety and fear must occur for at least six months.

 Relevant Statistics 

Phobias are more commonly diagnosed in women; specifically, specific phobia and agoraphobia. Research suggests that there are no significant sex differences in the prevalence of social phobia. Furthermore, individuals from minority groups are more at risk of developing symptoms related to anxiety, which can include symptoms related to phobia.

 Additional Information 

[THIS SECTION IS ALREADY ON WIKI] It is recommended that the terms distress and impairment take into account the context of the person's environment during diagnosis. The DSM-IV-TR states that if a feared stimulus, whether it be an object or a social situation, is absent entirely in an environment, a diagnosis cannot be made. An example of this situation would be an individual who has a fear of mice but lives in an area devoid of mice. Even though the concept of mice causes marked distress and impairment within the individual, because the individual does not usually encounter mice, no actual distress or impairment is ever experienced. It is recommended that proximity to, and ability to escape from, the stimulus also be considered. As the phobic person approaches a feared stimulus, anxiety levels increase, and the degree to which the person perceives they might escape from the stimulus affects the intensity of fear in instances such as riding an elevator (e.g. anxiety increases at the midway point between floors and decreases when the floor is reached and the doors open).

Finally, it is important to talk to trained and certified mental health professionals in order to get a diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Do not diagnose yourself or someone you know unless you are trained to do so.