Phobia

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A phobia is an intense, irrational fear of a specific object, situation, or activity that poses little to no actual danger. Unlike general fears, phobias can cause extreme anxiety and panic that interfere with daily life—even when the individual understands the fear is irrational.
Phobia

At Mind Scan, we understand that phobias are not a sign of weakness-they are real mental health conditions that can be treated effectively. Whether it's the fear of heights, crowds, flying, or social situations, we're here to help you face your fear with compassion and confidence.

Common Types of Phobias

Phobias are typically categorized into three types:

Specific Phobias

Intense fear of particular objects or situations, such as:

  • Heights (Acrophobia)
  • Flying (Aviophobia)
  • Insects or animals (Arachnophobia, Cynophobia)
  • Enclosed spaces (Claustrophobia)
  • Blood or injections

Social Phobia (Social Anxiety Disorder)

Fear of being judged, embarrassed, or negatively evaluated in social settings—can affect public speaking, eating in public, or group interactions.

Agoraphobia

Fear of being in places or situations where escape might be difficult—often leads to avoidance of public places, crowds, or travel.

Symptoms of Phobias

Phobias can trigger physical, emotional, and behavioral symptoms, such as:

  • Rapid heartbeat or chest tightness
  • Sweating, shaking, or dizziness
  • Intense urge to escape the situation
  • Nausea or dry mouth
  • Panic attacks
  • Avoidance behavior that limits freedom
  • Overwhelming fear even when thinking about the trigger

These symptoms can feel overpowering, but with the right support, they can be managed and reduced over time.

What Causes Phobias?

Phobias can develop from a mix of genetic, psychological, and environmental factors:

  • Past traumatic experiences
  • Family history of anxiety or phobias
  • Overprotective or fearful parenting
  • Childhood conditioning (e.g., learning fear from others)
  • Underlying anxiety disorders

Not all phobias have a clear cause-but they can still be effectively treated.

Mind Scan’s Approach to Phobia Treatment

At Mind Scan, we focus on helping individuals face their fears gradually and safely. We work to reduce fear responses and build confidence using proven, supportive therapies:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to challenge irrational beliefs
  • Exposure Therapy to gently desensitize the fear
  • Relaxation and breathing techniques for anxiety control
  • Mindfulness-based therapy for present-moment awareness
  • Medication, if necessary, for extreme cases

Our care plans are respectful, patient-centered, and tailored to your unique experiences.

Dr. Twishampati Naskar

Dr. Twishampati Naskar

Assistant Professor, MBBS, MD (Psychiatry), MIPS, FIACAMH

Consultant Psychiatrist in Siliguri, North Bengal

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a phobia?

A phobia is an intense, irrational fear of a specific object, situation, or activity that causes immediate anxiety—even if there's no real danger.

Fear is a normal response to danger. A phobia is excessive and persistent, often leading to avoidance behavior that disrupts daily life.

Examples include fear of heights (acrophobia), closed spaces (claustrophobia), flying, injections, or even social situations (social phobia).

Yes. Phobias can begin in childhood, adolescence, or adulthood, often after a traumatic experience or gradually over time.

Yes. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and exposure therapy are highly effective. Many people overcome phobias with proper guidance and support.

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