Most people with a phobia are usually fully aware that they have one. Many people live with a phobia without having it formally diagnosed and take great care to avoid the thing they are afraid of.
However, if you have a phobia, getting help from your GP and a specialist with expertise in behavioural therapy, such as a psychologist, can often be beneficial. You may also choose to book an appointment privately. Read more about accessing therapy on the NHS.
Complex phobias
If you have a complex phobia, such as agoraphobia (a fear of open spaces and public places) or social phobia, see your GP. They may refer you to a mental healthcare specialist, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist, who can help.
Agoraphobia
The anxiety disorder charity Anxiety UK has produced a list of questions to help people identify whether they have agoraphobia. If you answer yes to most of the questions below, it is likely that you have agoraphobia.
During the past six months:
- Do you regularly avoid situations because you are frightened of having a panic attack?
Do any of the following situations make you feel anxious:
- going outside, away from your home
- standing in long lines
- being in a confined space, such as in a tunnel or the underground
- being at home alone
- being in wide open spaces, such as in a field or park
- being in crowded places
Do you avoid being in any of the above situations?
If you answer yes to most of these questions, see your GP who will be able to make a formal diagnosis of agoraphobia and provide you with further information and advice.
Social phobia
Anxiety UK has produced a list of questions to help people identify whether they have social phobia. If you answer yes to most of the questions listed below, it is likely that you have social phobia.
During the past six months:
- Do you worry a lot about embarrassing yourself in front of others?
- Do you worry about what people might think of you?
- Do you feel anxious in social situations?
Do you worry about behaving anxiously in any of the following situations:
- public speaking
- eating and drinking in front of other people
- writing in front of other people
- going to parties and other social gatherings
Do you avoid any of the above situations because they make you feel anxious?
If you answer yes to most of these questions, see your GP, who can make a formal diagnosis of social phobia and provide you with further information and advice.
To diagnose you with social phobia, your GP will need to use the following criteria:
- Your symptoms must be caused by anxiety and not be secondary to other symptoms, such as delusions or obsessions.
- The anxiety must be the direct result of being in social situations.
- Avoiding social situations must be a prominent feature of your condition.
