A 38-year-old member asked:
How can i get over fear of flying?
10 doctor answers • 14 doctors weighed in

Dr. Mark Reynoldsanswered
Psychiatry 34 years experience
Aviophobia: There are three basic treatments for fear of flying severe enough to be classified as an anxiety disorder, systematic densensitization, cognitive therapy and medications. There is a nice overview at http://www.Guidetopsychology.Com/fearfly.Htm. The severity of your phobia will determine which intervention(s)-ur family physician should be able to provide a referral to a the appropriate specialist.
5.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Douglas Tavenner, jr.answered
51 years experience
Conditioning: Go to your local small airport and get an introductory ride in a small airplane with a flight instructor. Tell him of your fear and be ready to be very surprised. You may even become a pilot. I have thousands of hours in the air as a pilot, however I still hate commercial flying.
3.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
1 comment

Dr. Ed Friedlander commented
Pathology 45 years experience
Exactly. Learn about the thing you fear. As a private pilot, I have done this for friends and they have loved it. Think also about the purpose of your flight.
Nov 2, 2017

Dr. Andrew Berryanswered
Clinical Psychology 15 years experience
CBT: Seek a cognitive-behavioral therapist who specializes in phobias. One method they use is systematic desensitization which slowly and incrementally brings the person closer and closer to the thing they are afraid of in slow, graduated steps that help make the anxiety more tolerable.
3.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Howard Gurranswered
Clinical Psychology 41 years experience
VRT for Phobias: Phobias and anxieties respond well to Virtual Reality Therapy(VRT). VRT is exposure therapy in a safe environment. The research suggests VRT is 90% effective. Seek out a therapist who uses VRT in your area. You can find providers through www.psious.com, www.limbix.com, or www.virtuallybetter.com.
495 viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Heidi Fowleranswered
Psychiatry 26 years experience
Fear of flying: Agree with earlier responses- Cognitive behavioral therapy, hypnosis, exposure therapy to include virtual reality exposure therapy & behavioral therapy are all possible options.
484 viewsAnswered >2 years ago

Dr. Alan Alianswered
Psychiatry 33 years experience
Fear: Behavior therapy through imagery, relaxation & gradual exposure with desensitization. An experienced psychotherapist can explain details and walk u through it.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years agoMerged

Dr. Mark Reynoldsanswered
Psychiatry 34 years experience
Aviophobia: There are three basic treatments for fear of flying severe enough to be classified as an anxiety disorder, systematic densensitization, cognitive therapy and medications. There is a nice overview at http://www.Guidetopsychology.Com/fearfly.Htm. The severity of your phobia will determine which intervention(s)-your family physician should be able to provide a referral to an appropriate specialist.
5.6k viewsReviewed >2 years agoMerged

Dr. Marc Zimmermannanswered
Psychiatry 23 years experience
Yes: This fear or anxiety is amenable to a number of different therapies. Contact a psychologist who deals with anxiety.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years agoMerged

Dr. Mark Reynoldsanswered
Psychiatry 34 years experience
Aviophobia: There are three basic treatments for fear of flying severe enough to be classified as an anxiety disorder, systematic densensitization, cognitive therapy and medications. There is a nice overview at http://www.Guidetopsychology.Com/fearfly.Htm. The severity of your phobia will determine which intervention(s)-ur family physician should be able to provide a referral to a the appropriate specialist.
5.6k viewsReviewed >2 years agoMerged

Dr. Mark Reynoldsanswered
Psychiatry 34 years experience
Aviophobia: There are three basic treatments for fear of flying severe enough to be classified as an anxiety disorder, systematic densensitization, cognitive therapy and medications. There is a nice overview at http://www.Guidetopsychology.Com/fearfly.Htm. The severity of your phobia will determine which intervention(s)-ur family physician should be able to provide a referral to a the appropriate specialist.
5.6k viewsReviewed >2 years agoMerged
Similar questions
A 48-year-old member asked:
What to do if i cannot get over my fear of flying?
2 doctor answers • 2 doctors weighed in

Dr. Heidi Fowleranswered
Psychiatry 26 years experience
Aerophobia: Consider Cognitive Behavior, Behavioral Therapy, Psychotherapy, Exposure therapy or hypnosis.
4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 41-year-old member asked:
Is there a medication that can help me get over my fear of flying?
3 doctor answers • 9 doctors weighed in

Dr. Marc Zimmermannanswered
Psychiatry 23 years experience
No: There is medication that can decrease anxiety or fear symptoms, but therapy is the only way to rid yourself of the anxiety/fear.
5.7k viewsReviewed Jun 25, 2020

Dr. Alan Koenigsberg commented
Psychiatry 43 years experience
I disagree with the above answer. See my more complete response above.
Mar 31, 2014
A 21-year-old member asked:
What should I do about my fear of flying?
4 doctor answers • 8 doctors weighed in

Dr. Louis Grenzeranswered
Cardiology 56 years experience
Hypnosis: Hypnosis is very successful, I have found, to help people who have a fear of flying.
6.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Sep 9, 2019
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