Aracnophobia

Arachnophobia or arachnephobia is a specific phobia, the fear of spiders and other arachnids such as scorpions. It is a manifestation of zoophobia, among the most common of all phobias.[1] The reactions of arachnophobics often seem irrational to others (and sometimes to the sufferers themselves). People with arachnophobia tend to feel uneasy in any area they believe could harbor spiders or that has visible signs of their presence, such as webs. If arachnophobics see a spider they may not enter the general vicinity until they have overcome the panic attack that is often associated with their phobia. In some extreme cases, even a picture or a realistic drawing of a spider can also trigger fear. Arachnophobics may feel humiliated if such episodes happen in the presence of peers or family members.

The fear of spiders can be treated by any of the general techniques suggested for specific phobias. As with all phobias, the strength of the associations means the individual must actively pursue the techniques, and outsiders should in no way undermine or "play" with the phobia in the meantime.

Spiders, for instance, being relatively small, don’t fit the usual criterion for a threat in the animal kingdom where size is a factor, but nearly all species are venomous, and although rarely dangerous to humans, some species are dangerous Therefore, arachnophobes may possess a slight advantage over non-arachnophobes in terms of survival. However, this theory is undermined by the disproportional fear of spiders in comparison to other, far more deadly creatures that were present during Homo Sapiens environment of evolutionary adaptiveness. Studies with crickets have shown that a fear of spiders can develop before birth.

In Western societies as many as 55% of females and 18% of males are estimated to experience arachnophobia.

#1: Prescribed DrugsPrescribed medication is considered a traditional method of phobia treatment. Certain drugs have proven effective at suppressing the symptoms of phobias. For example, antidepressants, beta blockers and sedatives have each been used for treatment. Most phobias' symptoms are similar to anxiety attacks. Prescribed drugs can relieve the anxiety. While antidepressants and sedatives have a soothing effect, beta blockers inhibit the epinephrine that encourages anxiety.

#2: Complementary TreatmentMany people who suffer from phobias would prefer to avoid prescribed medication. For them, a complementary approach is more suitable. Offering an holistic strategy, this method focuses on memory, emotions and behavioral modification. It can include breathing exercises, relaxation techniques and hypnotherapy. While many experts claim that each of these elements can be valuable in learning to resolve phobias, their effectiveness is still largely undetermined.

TREATMENTS

#3: Cognitive Behavioral TherapyThis type of treatment emphasizes desensitization methods and slowly exposing a person to the circumstances that normally trigger an emotional reaction. The goal of cognitive behavioral therapy is to gradually change the emotional response that a person has to whatever scares them. A fear of death may require showing pictures of dead people, visiting a hospital and ultimately, physically touching a corpse. By doing these things, someone who suffers from phobias can learn to cope with their fear and the underlying emotions that trigger the response.

#4: Relaxation TechniquesBecause phobias tend to manifest though symptoms that are related to intense anxiety, many experts claim that relaxation techniques such as meditation and deep-breathing exercises can be invaluable. While relaxation exercises alone cannot resolve most phobias, they're often combined with other treatments (such as hypnotherapy and cognitive behavioral therapy) to help people manage their fears and anxieties.

#5: Natural Herbal And Homeopathic RemediesAt times, people are hesitant to concede to medication or mental therapy. They're more comfortable following a natural approach to dealing with their phobias. That being said, many of the herbs available are much more effective when used by someone who is simultaneously undergoing exposure therapy.Herbs such as Hypericum perforatum and Scutellaria laterifolia are useful in reducing the level of anxiety felt when being exposed to situations that normally cause intense fear. In addition, homeopathic alternatives such as Arsenicum album can help relieve tension and fear while confronting distressing stimuli during exposure therapy.

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