Phobias - Treatment


 * Phobias: Outcome studies
 * Phobias: Treatment protocols
 * Phobias: Treatment considerations
 * Phobias: Evidenced based treatment
 * Phobias: Theory based treatment
 * Phobias: Team working considerations
 * Phobias: Followup

Some therapists use imagery exercise to desensitize patients to the feared thing. These are parts of systematic desensitization therapy.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be beneficial. Cognitive behavioral therapy let the patient understand the cycle of negative thought patterns, and ways to change these thought patterns. CBT may be conducted in a group setting. Gradual desensitization treatment and CBT are often successful, provided the patient is willing to endure some discomfort and to make a continuous effort over a long period of time.

Anti-anxiety or anti-depression medications can be of assistance in some cases. Benzodiazepines could be proscribed for short term use.

These treatment options are not mutually exclusive. Often a therapist will suggest multiple treatments.