What is is a phobia? Basically explained, it is an irrational fear or concern of certain objects, situations or people. It can take many forms, not all of which seem rational to others. Claustrophobia tends to be the most universally recognized of all phobias. What causes phobias however is still a bit of a medical mystery.

Years of study have not found the answer to this question, but has showed us a few useful pieces of information. Through tests and studies we have come to the conclusion that genetics, brain chemicals and traumatic events probably all play a role in determining what phobias a person develops.

There also appears to be a connection between your fears and those that your parents suffer from. An even more interesting assumption is that children often “learn” there phobias from their caregivers by watching reactions to certain situations while growing up.

Studies have noted some risk factors that can be considered in order to possible predict phobias in people in the future. You may be surprised at what they are.

Age appears to be a major factor in the determination of when a phobia will surface. Children between the ages of 11 to 15 suffer more often from social disorders while adults in their mid 20’s will develop phobias to situational events like crossing bridges or flying in an airplane.

Being male or female also plays a role in all of this. Women appear to suffer from social disorders more often then men do, but it is also true that men have the ability to mask their anxiety better especially by using alcohol.

What ever the cause for your phobia, you should never turn to drugs or alcohol to cope with the problem. Becoming depressed is not a solution and can only make things worse. Their is help out there in many forms if you only go in search of it. Professionals have a variety of phobia treatments available to suit every persons needs if they are only willing.

Tags: Mental Health

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