Fear Factor: Makati Med takes a real look at phobias

MANILA, Philippines - The term “phobia” has been used loosely and colloquially to refer to something one is afraid of. But for the person who is medically diagnosed with the real thing, the fear is magnified, which can even prevent him/her from living a quality life. Makati Medical Center offers a guide on common phobias and useful tips on achieving small victories, one day at a time, to overcome them.

“Understanding your phobia is the first step to overcoming it,” says Edgardo Juan L. Tolentino, MD, head of MakatiMed’s Section of Psychiatry under the Department of Neurological Sciences. “It helps to know that phobias are common and that you can overcome them.”

According to Dr. Tolentino, the DSM-IV-TR (Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition, text revision), which is the basis of classification of diseases of the American Psychiatric Association, defines five types of specific phobias:

1) Animal type: These include fears of animals such as dogs, cats, spiders, bugs, mice, rats, birds, fish, and snakes.

2) Natural environment type: These include fears of heights, storms, and being near water.

3) Blood-injection-injury type: These include fears of seeing blood, receiving a blood test or injection, watching medical procedures on television, and for some individuals, even just talking about medical procedures.

4) Situational type: These include fears of situations such as driving, flying, elevators, and enclosed places.

5) Other types: These include other specific fears, including fears of choking or vomiting after eating certain foods, fears of balloons breaking or other loud sounds, or fear of clowns.

“The causes of specific phobias are complex, probably involving a history of negative experiences in the feared situation, other psychological factors, and biological factors,” he points out.

For some, the manifestation of these phobias may be minor, but for others, such fears may very well disrupt their lifestyles. “If you are afraid of snakes but there’s slim to zero chances of encountering one, then it’s easy to ignore your phobia. But if, for example, your job requires you to travel often, and you fear flying, then you’ll have to address your phobia immediately,” notes Dr. Tolentino.

Gradually and repeatedly facing your fears, he says, by exposing yourself to them helps in the long run. “Knowing how to keep calm is an advantage, too,” he goes on to explain. “Upon facing a fearful situation, your heart beats faster and you may lose your breath, and when you let these physical sensations overwhelm you, you end up panicking more, heightening your phobia. Learn different relaxation techniques and identify those that work best for you. That way, in case you walk into situations that trigger your phobia, you’ll know how to handle yourself.”

But what is truly crucial in fighting your phobia is challenging the negative thoughts that trigger and fuel your fears. The good doctor recommends journaling to help track negative thoughts related to the phobia. “Write them down, and then evaluate them objectively and logically. You’ll realize that a lot of them are actually unrealistic overreactions,” he advises. “A therapist or mental health professional may help walk you through cognitive and behavior modification strategies, and in some cases, prescribe the right medication to address and relieve the phobic symptoms while mastering the cognitive-behavioral techniques.”

At the end of the day, Dr. Tolentino concludes, it’s about choosing to change the way you think, one day at a time.