Phobia : When Fear is a disease

Fear is an ancient and universal emotion. It can be defined as the sensation that one is in danger, that something bad is about to happen. Fear is almost always accompanied by a host of physical symptoms. When it is not justified by the presence of real danger or a threat, or by a rational cause, and when it is also accompanied by a persistent avoidance of the situations which lead to it, it is …

…NIMH), about 75% of people with specific phobias overcome their fears through cognitive-behavioral therapy, while 80% of those with social phobia find relief from medication, cognitive-behavioral therapy or a combination of both. For agoraphobics, the prognosis is not as good. With appropriate treatment, only 30 to 40% of patients become symptom-free for extended periods, while 50% continue to experience mild symptoms. However on a positive note, only 10% of patients do not improve. (http://www.nimh.nih.gov/anxiety/phobiafacts.cfm 10).