Are Phobias Treatable?
Written by Mystic on Sunday, January 20, 2008Behavior therapy is the most effective treatment for people whose phobias have become disruptive to a normal lifestyle. It involves changing and gaining control over unwanted behavior. Increasingly, cognitive therapy (changing unhelpful thoughts) is being integrated with behavior therapy to help people change the way they think about what will happen upon exposure. Relaxation techniques may also be used with behavior therapy to help you face the fear that occurs with exposure. Medication is generally used for specific phobias only if there is a very high level of anxiety at the beginning of exposure therapy and you need additional help to get started. The medication is usually an antidepressant or tranquilizer. As you gain confidence in dealing with the previously avoided situation, the medication is slowly phased out.
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