Characterized by anxiety evoked only or predominantly by certain well defined situations or objects (external to the individual) which are not currently dangerous. As a result, these situations or objects are avoided or endured with dread.
Phobic Anxiety disorder often co-exists with Depression.
Includes:
- Agoraphobia
- Social Phobia
- Specific Phobias, for example Claustrophobia, etc.
Treatment
- Therapy (in particular Cognitive Behaviour Therapy).
- SSRI (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors).
- Beta Blockers, example Propranolol.