What Causes Phobias: A Medical Mystery

By Trevor Johnson

Phobias can be defined as irrational fears of objects or situations. Most everyone suffers from at least one phobia, sometimes more. A common one being claustrophobia or a fear of tight spaces. What causes phobias is still a question that for the most part has gone unanswered.

Studies on the causes of phobias have shown us some information, but not nearly enough to figure it all out. At this point we do know that genetics, chemicals in the brain and traumatic experiences all possible play a role. Beyond that, quite a lot of the information still falls into the "more research needed" category.

There also appears to be a connection between your fears and those that your parents suffer from. An even more interesting assumption is that children often "learn" there phobias from their caregivers by watching reactions to certain situations while growing up.

Studies have noted some risk factors that can be considered in order to possible predict phobias in people in the future. You may be surprised at what they are.

Age has been a prominent factor in studies of phobia development. Children ages 11 to 15 are far more likely to develop social phobias then any other age group. After age 25 your risk of developing one is almost zero. However, those in the mid twenty range start to manifest fears of situations such as crossing bridges, flying in airplanes or riding in elevators.

Women are more likely to show signs of social disorders because of the fact that men tend to hide their emotion and anxiety a bit better, usually involving alcohol. This doesn't mean that men aren't affected, just that they are better at disguising the outward symptoms.

What ever the cause for your phobia, you should never turn to drugs or alcohol to cope with the problem. Becoming depressed is not a solution and can only make things worse. Their is help out there in many forms if you only go in search of it. Professionals have a variety of phobia treatments available to suit every persons needs if they are only willing. - 30450

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