In simple phobias, people are able to avoid facing the feared object or situation by anticipating the anxiety. Most simple phobias do not interfere with an individual's normal functioning to the point of seeking treatment. There is usually no family history of mental illness or of the same phobia. The goal of treatment is to help the person function effectively. The success of the treatment usually depends upon the severity of the phobia.
Systematic desensitization is a behavioral technique used to treat phobias.
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. Antianxiety and antidepressive medications are sometimes used to help relieve the symptoms associated with phobias. A dependency on the medication is a possible side effect of this treatment. Phobia clinics and group therapy are available in some areas to help people deal with phobias such as a fear of flying.