Researchers are still unclear on exactlywhat causes phobias.
Two main approaches to treating phobias are the use of medications and psychotherapy.
Medication
Themedical modelplaces emphasis on the genetic and brain chemistry components of phobias.
bymuratdeniz / Getty Images
Medications are prescribed to reduce the symptoms associated with phobias, such as anxiety.
Below are some examples of medications that a doctor may prescribe to help treat a phobia.
While medication is helpful for some, others find the benefits aren’t worth the side effects.
In most states, psychologists are not permitted to prescribe medications, although this is slowly changing.
Therapy
Many professionals believe that the most important causes of phobias are environmental triggers and learned behaviors.
They argue that a phobia is ultimately a learned response to a stimulus.
By unlearning the response, the phobia can be cured.
This model favors psychotherapy as a preferred treatment.
Many people who live with phobias are best treated with a combination of medication and psychotherapy.
Cognitive Behavorial Therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is often the first-line of treatment for phobia.
The next step is to practice using these relaxation strategies gradually and progressively facing the feared object or situation.
Of course, any alternative treatment should only be undertaken with guidance from a mental health professional.
2020 Mar 1;77(3):265-273. doi: 10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2019.3986
