Interventions and Treatments for Specific Phobias

Fear is a universal emotion that everyone experiences at some point in their lives (Canu, 2008). While it is common and normal to be scared of some things, some responses are abnormal and may result in significant anxiety (Canu, 2008). Lang and McTeague (2009) define a fear state as a defense system activation and the bodily reaction that occurs as a result. According to Jongh, Oord, and Broeke (2002), specific phobias are the most prevalent form of psychiatric disorders that are defined by fear. However, a wide variety of interventions and treatments are available for specific phobias (Jongh, Oord, & Broeke, 2002).

What Is a Specific Phobia?

According to Kerig, Ludlow, and Wenar (2012), a specific phobia is a persistent, excessive, or unreasonable fear that is caused by a specific object or situation. Some examples of common phobias include fear of water, fear of flying and even school phobia (Kerig et al., 2012). Lang and McTeague (2009) describe fearfulness as an exaggerated response to environmental cues. However, individuals with specific phobias are usually the most reactive. When a feared situation is described, an individual with the specific phobia may display physical defenses such as muscle tension and increased heart rate (Lang & McTeague, 2009).

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (American Psychiatric Association, 2013), several criteria must be present in order for a fear to be considered a specific phobia. The first criteria state that an individual must exhibit a fear or anxiety about a specific object or situation such as heights or needles. However, another criteria states that the object or situation must always cause immediate feelings of fear and anxiety for the ind...

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