Phobia
Not yet clinically reviewed
This protocol was migrated from the earlier Pharmapedia and Ward Guide apps for educational use. Follow your hospital's own policies and consult seniors when in doubt.
Introduction
Predominant feature is intense fear associated with a specific situation. May present with features of anxiety neurosis and depressive neurosis. For making a diagnosis, the following points have to be established:
- Attacks of panic
- These attacks are related to specific situations
- The patient perceives these attacks as silly and ridiculous
- The patient avoids such situations bearing all inconveniences.
Treatment
- Alprazolam is currently used and found to be useful (0.25 mg–0.5 mg TID)
- MAO inhibitors are also tried
- Anxiolytics will help. Diazepam (5 mg TID) or Lorazepam which is fast acting can be tried. The patient should be encouraged to face the anxiety provoking situation with the help of the drugs. Behavior therapy techniques like systematic desensitization, reciprocal inhibition, etc. are found to be more effective.