What causes phobias?

Like most things in psychiatry, the cause of phobias is not known but the disorder does tend to run in families. Phobias generally present in the 20s and 30s but may start earlier. Women tend to be more affected than men, but this possibly thought to be due the fact that men do not complain or seek help. Many men tend to hide the problem so that they are not seen as weaklings. In some cases, phobias may be precipitated by a traumatic event like an animal attack or a frightening plane ride. 

What are general symptoms of a phobia?

The symptoms of phobia can be intense and range from uncontrolled anxiety, a  feeling that one must do something to get away from the situation, inability to think rationally, develop sweating, fast heart beat, rapid breathing and a feeling of severe panic. Phobias in children may present as excess clinging, crying or severe behavior alterations. 

I sometimes feel afraid for no apparent reason. What do you think is wrong?

Phobia is defined as an intense and irrational fear of a situation or an object that in reality poses little risk. A phobia is different from anxiety and can be long lasting, cause severe physical and emotional reactions that can affect one’s ability to function normally. There are many types of phobias- some people hate closed spaces, others fear certain animals, some are afraid to get in the elevator and so on. In general, phobia does not need treatment if it does not affect you daily life. 

Can mood disorders exist with other illness?

Mood disorders also tend to coexist with other mental and physical disorders. Anxiety is a commonly associated disorder in individuals with depression. Substance abuse, excess use of prescription drugs and personality disorders are extremely common in people with mood disorders.

The biggest difficulty with mood disorders is that many individuals have no idea they have the illness and are unwilling to accept such a stigmatized diagnosis.

Is there a downside to having a mood disorder?

There is an erroneous belief among lay people that mood disorders are benign. This is far from the truth. The most dreaded complication of major depressive disorder is suicide. At least 10-15 percent of patients who have been hospitalized for depression go on to commit suicide. Worldwide the numbers are much higher and close to 30 percent of all depressed individuals commit suicides.  Completed suicides are more widespread among individuals who have severe paranoia or psychotic symptoms, addictive personalities, those who experience stressful life events, have a chronic medical illness or a family history of suicidal behavior. In the US, men go on to kill themselves four times more often than women. The magnitude of mood disorder is enormous and has reached epidemic proportions in some parts of the country. With the recent downturn in economy, murder and suicides are reported almost on a daily basis.

Why do people with mood disorders not seek help?

The sad fact is that only a few patients with mood disorders seek professional help for fear of embarrassment or ridicule. Most of these individuals are diagnosed with a mood disorder when seeking help for another medical disorder. Today, mood disorders account for a large portion of health care costs. Many individuals do not want to be stigmatized. These individuals usually ask for expensive and unnecessary tests to look for another cause that may account for their symptoms. Many individuals go through unnecessary therapies for physical disorders which do not exist, whilst the mood disorder remains undiagnosed and untreated.

Which mood disorder is most common in North America?

The one mood disorder that is predominant in American society is major depressive disorder. This chronic illness is twice as common in women and accrues a considerable morbidity. Women between the ages of 18 and 45 comprise the majority of those with major depression.  Depression also has a venomous blow on the economy, both in reduced productivity and more consumption of limited health care resources. In the workplace, depression is a principal cause of absenteeism and diminished productivity.