Specific phobias

Management of Specific Phobias

Specific phobias are considered among the most common mental disorders. Besides structured and semistructured interviews various self report measures and behavioral approach tests form an important part of comprehensive assessment. Exposure based therapies (EBT) outperform most nonexposure treatments and are considered the treatment of choice. Various factors affect the efficacy of EBT and newe...

The Etiology of Specific Phobias: a Review

The present article summarizes themy and data about symptomutology, epid.emio&y, and etiology of specijii phobias. Additionally, the cognitive mechanisms involved in specific phobias are briefly discussed. By and Icrrg, the general pattern behind tk development of specific phobias can be summarized as follows. Specijk fears are highly preualent among young children. In most children, these fear...

Phobias

Evidence-Based Assessment and Treatment of Specific Phobias in Adults

Specific phobias are among the most common psychological problems (Kessler et al. 2005); however, specific phobias are seldom the primary reason that individuals seek treatment (Brown et al. 2001b). Because specific phobias are rarely the focus of clinical attention, there is a common—though in many cases mistaken—perception that specific phobias are straightforward and uncomplicated. In additi...

Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy for Anxiety and Specific Phobias

There is a growing body of research indicating the multiple ways that affective dysregulation (e.g., anxiety disorders, specific phobias, panic disorder, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)) may lead to significant impairments in normal life functioning. Anxiety and fear are concentrated emotional experiences that serve critical functions in organizing necessary survival responses (Fendt &...