There are various methods used to treat<unk> s. These methods include systematic desensitization, progressive relaxation, virtual reality, modeling, medication, and hypnotherapy. Over the past several decades, psychologists and other researchers have developed effective behavioral, pharmacological, and technological interventions for the treatment of<unk> . Therapy Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be beneficial by allowing the person to challenge dysfunctional thoughts or beliefs by being mindful of their feelings to recognize that their fear is irrational. CBT may occur in a group setting. Gradual desensitization treatment and CBT are often successful, provided the person is willing to endure some discomfort. In one clinical trial, 90% of people no longer had a<unk>  reaction after successful CBT treatment. Evidence supports that eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is effective in treating some<unk> s. Its effectiveness in treating complex or trauma-related<unk> s has not been empirically established. Primarily used to treat post-traumatic stress disorder, EMDR has been demonstrated to ease<unk>  symptoms following a specific trauma, such as a fear of dogs following a dog bite. Systematic desensitization A soldier stomping his foot to put out the fire rising up his leg during military fire-phobia training Systematic desensitization is a process in which people seeking help slowly become accustomed to their<unk> , and ultimately overcome it. Traditional systematic desensitization involves a person being exposed to the object they are afraid of overtime so that the fear and discomfort do not become overwhelming. This controlled exposure to the anxiety-provoking stimulus is key to the effectiveness of exposure therapy in the treatment of specific<unk> s. It has been shown that humor is an excellent alternative when traditional systematic desensitization is ineffective. Humor systematic desensitization involves a series of treatment activities that elicit humor with the feared object. Previously learned progressive muscle relaxation procedures can be used as the activities become more difficult. Progressive muscle relaxation helps people relax before and during exposure to the feared stimulus. Virtual reality therapy is another technique that helps<unk>  people confront a feared object. It uses virtual reality to generate scenes that may not have been possible or ethical in the physical world. It is equally as effective as traditional exposure therapy and offers additional advantages. These include controlling the scenes and having the<unk>  person endure more exposure than they might handle in reality. Medications Medications are a treatment option often utilized in combination with CBT or if CBT was not tolerated or effective. Medications can help regulate apprehension and fear of a particular fearful object or situation. There are various medication options available for both social anxiety disorder and agoraphobia. The use of medications for specific<unk> s, besides the limited role of benzodiazepines, do not currently have established guidelines due to minimal supporting evidence. Antidepressants Antidepressant medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), or monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) may be helpful in some cases. SSRIs / SNRIs act on serotonin, a neurotransmitter in the brain. Because of serotonins positive impacts mood, an antidepressant may be offered and prescribed as a treatment option. For social anxiety, the SSRIs sertraline, paroxetine, fluvoxamine, and the SNRI venlafaxine have FDA approval. Similar medications may be offered for agoraphobia. Benzodiazepines Sedatives such as benzodiazepines (clonazepam, alprazolam) are another therapeutic option, which can help people relax by reducing the amount of anxiety they feel. Benzodiazepines may be useful in the acute treatment of severe symptoms, but the risk-benefit ratio usually goes against their long-term use in<unk>  disorders. This class of medication has recently been shown as effective if used with negative behaviours such as excessive alcohol use. Despite this positive finding, benzodiazepines are used with caution due to side effects and risk of developing dependence or withdrawal symptoms. In specific<unk>  for example if the<unk>  stimulus is one that is not regularly encountered such as flying a short course may be provided. Beta-blockers Beta blockers (propranolol) are another therapeutic option, particularly for those with the performance only subtype of social anxiety disorder. They may stop the stimulating effects of adrenaline, such as sweating, increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, tremors, and the feeling of a pounding heart. By taking beta-blockers before a<unk>  event, these symptoms are decreased, making the event less frightening. Beta-blockers are not effective for generalized social anxiety disorder. Hypnotherapy Hypnotherapy can be used alone and in conjunction with systematic desensitization to treat<unk> s. Through hypnotherapy, the underlying cause of the<unk>  may be uncovered. The<unk>  may be caused by a past event that the person does not remember, a phenomenon known as repression. The mind represses traumatic memories from the conscious mind until the person is ready to deal with them. Hypnotherapy may also eliminate the conditioned responses that occur during different situations. People are first placed into a hypnotic trance, an extremely relaxed state in which the unconscious can be retrieved. This state makes people more open to suggestion, which helps bring about desired change. Consciously addressing old memories helps individuals understand the event and see it less threateningly.
Phobia
Claustrophobia
Alexithymia
Hyperreligiosity
Emotional lability
Mindfulness
Body integrity dysphoria
Automatism 