Is a Phobia Triggering Your Fight or Flight Response

Is a Phobia Triggering Your Fight or Flight Response Phobias Print Are Phobias Triggering a Physiological Response? By Lisa Fritscher Lisa Fritscher is a freelance writer and editor with a deep interest in phobias and other mental health topics. Learn about our editorial policy Lisa Fritscher Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD on August 05, 2016 Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital. Learn about our Medical Review Board Steven Gans, MD Updated on January 02, 2020 Vasily Pindyurin / Getty Images More in Phobias Causes Symptoms and Diagnosis Treatment Types Physiological response is an automatic reaction that triggers a physical response to a stimulus. Most of us are familiar with the automatic and instinctive physiological responses we experience every day, but we typically remain unaware of them. Many of us are also prone to more severe physiological responses to stimuli like stress that tap into what is colloquially known as the fight or flight response. When placed in a stressful situation, you might begin to sweat and your heart rate may increase, both types of physiological responses. Physiological Responses to Phobias Physiological responses happen when we perceive that were under stress or danger, whether its real or imagined. The fight or flight response is your bodys way of protecting you by producing stress hormones, cortisol, and adrenaline so that you can be ready to either fight or run. If you have a phobia, coming into contact with the object of your phobia can serve as the stress trigger for different types of physiological responses.  Physiological response to an intense and irrational fear can manifest itself in physical ways, including: ShakingSweatingNauseaDry mouthFaster breathingHeart palpitationsPanic attacksDizziness Your physiological response may be mild or severe, but its generally not dangerous. However, these physical symptoms can mirror those of some diseases, so its important to check with your doctor if you experience them. Understanding Phobias While the physiological responses you experience when you have a phobia are often a unique reaction to a specific fear, its important to know if this response is, in fact, caused by a true phobia.  Mental health professionals cannot use a lab test to diagnose a phobia, so they use the criteria found in the  Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, also known as DSM-5. A phobia can be defined as intense and irrational fear, but its important to note that fear and a phobia are not the same. Diagnosing a Phobia In order for a phobia to be diagnosed, it must significantly interfere with your daily life. For example, a strong fear of snakes may not be a phobia for a city-dweller who would rarely come in contact with a snake. However, it may represent a severe phobia in a farmer whose country property is home to numerous snakes. There are many anxiety disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder  (PTSD) that can cause phobic-like reactions to certain situations. A mental health professional will do a comprehensive evaluation of your history and experiences to arrive at a correct diagnosis. Treatment Many phobias continue to worsen over time, so its a good idea to get treated promptly. The two commonly accepted forms of treatment for phobias are medication and therapy. Many clinicians prefer to try therapy first, adding medications only if needed.  Both types can help with the physiological responses caused by phobias. Therapies: One of the most accepted forms of therapy for phobias is known as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). In CBT, your clinician works with you to confront the feared situation and change your  phobic reaction by changing the automatic thoughts that occur.  Exposure therapy is a leading form of CBT that works well in treating phobias. A popular type is known as systematic desensitization during which youre gradually exposed to the feared object. You learn to tolerate increased exposure bit by bit. Medications: In addition, prescription medications can help with physiological responses caused by phobias. These include antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, and beta-blockers, which limit the effects of adrenaline on your body. Other treatments: Many people find relief through alternative treatments and relaxation techniques. However, these methods should only be attempted under the supervision of your mental health professional.