Phobia

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:

1. Attacks of panic
2. These attacks are related to specific situations
3. The patient perceives these attacks as silly and ridiculous
4. 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.