Some disorders display similar or sometimes even the same symptom. The clinician, therefore, in his diagnostic attempt has to differentiate against the following disorders which one needs to be ruled out to establish a precise diagnosis. The attacks seem to occur randomly and without warning, making it impossible for a person to predict what situation will trigger such a reaction . As a result, they avoid going out in public. Treatment usually involves desensitization or exposure therapy through which the sufferer is exposed to the source of the phobia and gradually learns to overcome the fear.
Exposure therapy can significantly reduce or end phobic reactions for at least seven years.
It is based upon having the person relax, then imagine the components of the phobia, working from the least fearful to the most fearful. Graded real-life exposure has also been used with success to help people overcome their fears. Dependency on the medication is a possible side effect of this treatment.