Phobias are relatively common in the general population, but rarely diagnosed because people tend to manage their lives around the phobia, rather than seeking treatment. Sometimes a specific phobia will develop as a secondary problem following a trauma. For example, a person has a severe car accident, and becomes fearful of driving, or a person is attacked by a dog, and becomes fearful of animals. It is important to differentiate between reactions such as these, which may be part of a Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, versus a specific phobia, without a history of trauma. Psychologists provide treatment for specific phobias using behavioral and cognitive therapy procedures.
Desensitization is very effective, as well as the development of cognitive coping strategies.
However, many people never seek treatment, unless the specific phobia interferes with life functioning in a significant way. For example, if a person has a fear of flying, they cannot accept a promotion that requires frequent travel without learning how to cope with their fear, or overcome it. Top of Page and Navigation Bar Psychology Information Online , developed by Donald J. Franklin, Ph.D. , provides information about the practice of psychology, features Continuing Education Programs and a Psychology Bookstore , and hosts the National Directory of Psychologists .