Are Specific and Social Phobia Normal?

A phobia is a persistent, irrational fear of an object, activity, or situ­ation. Fear is a normal response to danger. It can be helpful in prepar­ing to escape from or confront a threat. Because fear causes the heart and the lungs to work faster, you are better able to fight or flee, whichever makes sense under the circumstances.

Fear becomes a phobia only when a person alters his or her lifestyle in order to manage that fear. A phobia is a fear that is out of control—far beyond what is reasonable under the circumstances. The fear is no longer an aid to survival and it can hinder leading a normal, healthy life.

There are two general categories of phobia: specific and social. When people are afraid of particular things, they are said to be suf­fering from specific phobia. Objects or situations that may act as a trigger for phobia include contact with snakes or insects, being in a storm or an airplane, or being on a bridge or in a small space.

Social phobia is marked by a persistent fear of being in a situation where one may be embarrassed. For example, a person with social phobia might imagine standing in front of a room full of classmates and suddenly discovering an obvious stain on his or her shirt. A per­son with social phobia might panic at the idea of eating in a restau­rant for fear of spilling food or stumbling into a table. If the phobic condition is severe enough, the situation may set off a panic attack.

The fear of social situations experienced by those with a social phobia is not simply a result of low self-esteem. Increasing one's self-confidence does not rid a person of a social phobia. He or she is also unlikely to "grow out of if The fears associated with social phobia are irrational and uncontrollable, but knowing they are irrational does not make them go away. In fact, the inability to get rid of the fears may lead to low self-esteem. Some people who suffer from the disorder may be overly critical of themselves if they are unable to rid themselves of fears they know are unwarranted.

A social phobia can be thought of as a false alarm. Despite logic and even a recognition that a situation isn't dangerous or life-threatening, the body reacts as if there is a serious threat and prepares for a fight or flight Recent research indicates that specific chemical systems in the brain may be responsible for the signs and symptoms of social phobia.



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