Phobias

Types of phobia

Phobias are grouped by what the fear is about; the first three are kinds of specific phobia. A fear of being judged in social situations is social anxiety, covered on Anxiety disorders.

• Animal and nature phobias

  Fear of a type of animal, such as dogs, spiders, snakes or insects, or of something in the natural world, such as heights, storms or water. These phobias usually start in childhood.

• Situational phobias

  Fear of particular situations, such as flying, lifts, tunnels, bridges, driving or enclosed spaces. They can begin in childhood or in adulthood.

• Blood, injection and injury phobia

  Fear of needles, blood, injury or medical procedures. Unlike most phobias, it can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure and fainting. It can make vaccinations, blood tests, dental care or pregnancy care hard to face, and it often runs in families.

• Agoraphobia

  Fear of places where escape or help might be hard to get, such as crowds, public transport, shopping centres, or being away from home alone. It sometimes follows panic attacks, and in severe cases a person may stop leaving home. It usually begins in the late teens or adulthood.

Signs to look for

• Immediate fear or panic when facing, or thinking about, the trigger
• Going out of your way to avoid it
• Fear that has lasted six months or more
• Avoidance that limits work, travel, health care or family life
• In children: crying, freezing, clinging or tantrums around the trigger

Assessment

We start with the trigger, when the fear began and what you now avoid. Dr Stanganelli checks for panic, other anxiety conditions, mood and physical health. For children, parents are part of the assessment.

Treatment

Dr Stanganelli assesses, diagnoses, prescribes where it helps, and coordinates your care with your GP, psychologist and school.

1. i.Cognitive behavioural therapy with gradual, planned exposure, a recognised first-line approach, with your psychologist or one Dr Stanganelli can refer you to
2. ii.Support for parents of younger children
3. iii.Medication in some cases, with regular review
4. iv.Working with your GP, psychologist or school

Getting started

Ask your GP or paediatrician for a referral to Dr Stanganelli, then email it to appointments@stanganelli.com.au. Or post it to PO Box 5571, Mackay QLD 4740. All referrals are reviewed and assessed by Dr Stanganelli to determine suitability for the practice. Submission of a referral does not guarantee acceptance or an appointment. If your referral is accepted, we'll contact you with a time in Mackay, Brisbane or by telehealth, usually in under 4 weeks. If we can't accept a referral, we'll let the referring doctor or the patient know.

Request an appointment How referrals work