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Phobias Q&As

Published by Bupa's health information team, February 2009.

Answers to questions about phobias

This section contains answers to common questions about this topic. Questions have been suggested by health professionals, website feedback and requests via email.

 

If I have one phobia, am I more likely to have another?

Yes. Many people who have one phobia have other types of phobia at the same time.

Explanation

If you have one type of phobia, then you may be more likely to have phobias about other things too. For example, agoraphobia is a complex mix of phobias that stop you from travelling long distances or leaving your home.

If you have agoraphobia, you are afraid of being in situations where you feel you can't escape. This can include fear of being in a crowd or standing in a queue, being on a bridge, or travelling in a car, train or bus. If you are agoraphobic you may also have monophobia (a fear of being alone) or claustrophobia (a fear of being in a confined space).

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What can I do to help my partner, friend or relative if they have a phobia?

If you have a partner, friend or relative who has a phobia, offering your support can help him or her hugely.

Explanation

If your partner has a phobia, one of the best things you can do is let him or her know that you accept how they are feeling. Acknowledge how hard it can be for them to deal with their phobia. If you don't accept their feelings, it can make them feel alone and isolated. It could make them more anxious and more upset.

If he or she is getting treatment, either by following a self-help programme, or by talking to a therapist, it can help to ask how it is going now and then. You could also ask if there is any way you can help. For example, it might be helpful to offer to travel with them to or from treatment sessions.

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How many people are affected by phobias, and what is the most common type?

Phobias are thought to be fairly widespread. The most common type of phobia is probably agoraphobia - a fear of being away from the safety of your home.

Explanation

In the UK, it has been estimated that about 10 million people have a phobia. However, because people who have phobias often don't tell anyone about their problem, there may be many more people affected.

Some research suggests that as many as 13 in 100 people in the UK will develop a phobia at some point in their life.

Agoraphobia, thought to be the most common type of phobia, seems to affect women more than men. It can range in seriousness from people who are forced to stay in their house, or even a specific room, to people who can only travel a certain distance from home or who need someone with them outdoors.

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This information was published by Bupa's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by Bupa doctors. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.

Publication date: February 2009

 

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