Anxiety & Panic Disorders Health Center

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How are they treated?

Phobias are treated with cognitive-behavioral therapy. This therapy includes imagining or actually being close to the object, situation, or activity that you are afraid of. This is called exposure therapy. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can be done with one person or in a group.

One type of exposure involves a series of steps to get closer to the object, situation, or activity. This is called systematic desensitization. For example, if you have a phobia of heights, you might first imagine yourself in a high place, such as a balcony on the 10th floor of a building. Then you would do an exercise to help you relax until your worry and fear about heights are less. Next, you would try going onto a balcony on a lower floor and do the exercise to help you relax. Finally, over time, you might be able to go onto the 10th-floor balcony without being afraid.

Sometimes your doctor might prescribe medicine. Medicine may help with the symptoms of anxiety that you have because of your phobia. Medicine for phobias is most useful if it is combined with cognitive-behavioral therapy.

The type or class of medicines called benzodiazepines (such as Xanax or Valium) is sometimes used to treat the stress and worry of specific phobias. Beta-blockers (such as atenolol or propranolol) are sometimes used to treat the physical symptoms of being stressed and worried about a phobia, such as having a faster heartbeat. Beta-blockers are used for blood-injection-injury phobias. They might also be used for performance anxiety, such as fear of speaking in front of a group of people.

Unfortunately, many people don't seek treatment for anxiety disorders. You may not seek treatment because you think the symptoms are not bad enough or that you can work things out on your own. But getting treatment is important.

If you need help deciding whether to see your doctor, see some reasons why people don't get help and how to overcome them.