A 34-year-old member asked:
Is it possible to overcome my horrible phobia?
4 doctor answers • 12 doctors weighed in
Dr. Lawrence Smithanswered
Clinical Psychology 32 years experience
Phobias: Fears, such as a fear of heights (acrophobia), can be helped or cured by a procedure called "systematic desensitization." essentially, one learns a deep relaxation technique and, while relaxing, gets exposure to aspects of the phobia. The coupling of deep relaxation with gradual exposure to graded aspects of the phobia eliminates the fear. Call a professional with expertise in this area.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Christine Forestanswered
Psychiatry 28 years experience
Yes, don't give up: Whatever you have tried that did not work, you need to change. Try a new intervention or even a new doctor that has a different method of treatment. With persistence and with the understanding than one method does not fit all, you will find what works for you. This is a treatable condition. And in the process, you may discover many unpredictable things about yourself.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Heidi Fowleranswered
Psychiatry 27 years experience
Quite often - Yes.: You have a number of possible choices. For Phobias
Consider cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Behavior Therapy, Psychotherapy, Exposure therapy (imaginal exposure therapy, systematic desensitization, flooding, prolonged exposure therapy, in vivo exposure therapy) or hypnosis as possible options. Psychotropic medications are some times indicated as well.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Andrew Berryanswered
Clinical Psychology 16 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.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Last updated May 2, 2016
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