Topic > Interventions and treatments for specific phobias

Fear is a universal emotion that everyone experiences at some point in their lives (Canu, 2008). While it is common and normal to be afraid of some things, some responses are abnormal and can cause significant anxiety (Canu, 2008). Lang and McTeague (2009) define a state of fear as the activation of the defense system and the bodily reaction that occurs as a result. According to Jongh, Oord, and Broeke (2002), specific phobias are the most widespread form of psychiatric disorders defined by fear. However, a wide variety of interventions and treatments are available for specific phobias (Jongh, Oord, & Broeke, 2002). What is a specific phobia? According to Kerig, Ludlow, and Wenar (2012), a specific phobia is a persistent phobia, excessive or unreasonable fear caused by a specific object or situation. Some examples of common phobias include fear of water, fear of flying, and even school phobia (Kerig et al., 2012). Lang and McTeague (2009) describe fear as an exaggerated response to environmental cues. However, individuals with specific phobias are usually the most reactive. When a feared situation is described, an individual with the specific phobia may exhibit physical defenses such as muscle tension and increased heart rate (Lang & McTeague, 2009). According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (American Psychiatric Association, 2013), several criteria must be present for a fear to be considered a specific phobia. The first criterion states that an individual must show fear or anxiety regarding a specific object or situation such as heights or needles. However, another criterion states that the object or situation must always cause immediate feelings of fear and anxiety for the ind...... half of the article ......ogy, 35, 22-25. Corey, G. (2009). Theory and practice of counseling and psychotherapy. Belmont, CA: Thomas Higher Education Jongh, A. D., Oord, H. J. M., & Broeke, E. (2002). Effectiveness of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing in the treatment of specific phobias: four single case studies of dental phobia. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 58, 1489-1503. Kerig, P. K., Ludlow, A., & Wenar, C. (2012). Developmental psychopathology. New York: McGraw-Hill.Lang, P.J., & McTeague, L.M. (2009). The spectrum of anxiety disorders: fear imagery, physiological reactivity, and differential diagnosis. Anxiety, Stress, and Coping, 22, 5-25.LeBeau, R.T., Glenn, D., Liao, B., Wittchen, H., Beesdo-Baum, K., Ollendick, T., & Craske, M.G. ( 2010). Specific phobia: A review of DSM-IV specific phobia and preliminary recommendations for DSM-V. Depression and anxiety, 27, 148-167.