Phobias occur in several forms. Specific phobia is an unfounded fear of a particular object or situation-such as being afraid of dogs yet loving to ride horses or avoiding highway driving yet being able to drive on city and country roads. Agoraphobia is the fear of being in any situation that might trigger a panic attack and from which escape might be difficult. Many people who have agoraphobia become housebound. Others avoid open spaces, standing in line, or being in a crowd.
Social phobia is a fear of being extremely embarrassed in front of other people.
The most common social phobia is fear of public speaking. Cognitive behavioral therapy has the best track record for helping people overcome most phobic disorders. The goals of this therapy are to desensitize a person to feared situations or to teach a person how to recognize, relax, and cope with anxious thoughts and feelings. Medications, such as antianxiety agents or antidepressants, can also help relieve symptoms. Sometimes therapy and medication are combined to treat phobias.