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OCD Center of L.A.
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The primary distinguishing feature of a phobia is the recurrent, irrational fear of a specific object or situation. Exposure to the feared object or situation results in an immediate and intense level of anxiety, sometimes to the extent of having a panic attack. Despite recognizing that this anxiety is excessive, an individual with a phobia will go to great lengths to avoid exposure to the feared object or situation in order to prevent the emotional distress it causes. This anxiety and its associated avoidance behaviors cause significant emotional distress, and may considerably interfere with daily functioning and interpersonal relationships.
Some examples of common phobias includes fears of:
Because of these many similarities, some of the Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) methods that are so effective in treating OCD are also employed in the treatment of phobias. The primary CBT technique used in treating phobias is a variant of the Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) technique used in the treatment of OCD. To learn more about Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for the treatment of phobias, click here.
As part of our treatment program, the OCD Center of Los Angeles offers the option of home visits for our clients who have difficulty with phobias in or around their residence. We also provide clients the opportunity to have therapy sessions in the field to address specific phobias such as those listed above.
In addition to individual therapy for Phobias, we also offer five weekly, low-fee, therapy/support groups for people with OCD, Phobias, and related conditions. These groups are lead by our staff therapists, and use the same treatment protocol as our individual Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy program. For more information on these groups, click here.
If you are experiencing any phobias, and would like to discuss individual or group therapy for the treatment of phobias at the OCD Center of Los Angeles, you can call us at (310) 335-5443, or click here to email us. If you live outside Southern California, we recommend that you contact a licensed Cognitive-Behavioral therapist in your local area.
PHOBIAS - SYMPTOMS AND TREATMENT
While some do not consider phobias to be true OC Spectrum Disorders, they do have obsessive-compulsive features that are quite similar to OCD. Phobias and OCD are both categorized as anxiety disorders in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-IV) published by the American Psychiatric Association. Also, phobias and OCD both involve intense, irrational fears and repeated avoidance of anxiety-provoking objects and/or situations. Furthermore, recent studies indicate that 7% of those with OCD also have one or more phobias. In fact, a phobia may sometimes evolve into OCD, or vice-versa. Perhaps the most significant similarity linking phobias and OCD is the cyclical process by which the symptoms of both increase. To learn more about this process, click here.
Please note that the above is not meant to replace a complete and thorough evaluation by a licensed Cognitive-Behavioral therapist or other qualified mental health professional. As with OCD, individuals with phobias may benefit from medication, and may therefore require a psychiatric evaluation. Likewise, a psychiatric assessment may be necessary to differentiate between phobias and other psychological conditions. If a psychiatric evaluation is indicated, the OCD Center of Los Angeles can refer you to a qualified psychiatrist in our area. Furthermore, it is imperative to make the distinction between phobias and other medical conditions. For this reason, a medical examination may be necessary.
