Specific Phobias
Specific Phobias Statistics
Specific (formerly ‘‘simple’’ or ‘‘monosymptomatic’’) phobias are irrational and persistent fears of certain objects or animals. Whereas specific phobia is a relatively recent concept, descriptions of the condition to which it refers have a long tradition in medical history. For example, in his writings, Hippocrates refers to a case of a man who displayed an irrational fear of bridges. Likewise, detailed discussions of phobic symptoms can be found in the work of seventeenth- or eighteenthcentury authors like Descartes, Le Camus, and Sauvages.
While descriptions of phobic behaviour have remained remarkably constant throughout history, theories to explain this behaviour have changed dramatically. In early medical texts, speculations about eye muscle dysfunction, vascular abnormalities or mysterious underground water streams were not uncommon. Over the past two decades, our understanding of the origins of specific phobias has steadily increased. This is nicely illustrated by the large number of detailed review articles that cover this domain of psychopathology. It is now recognised that learning mechanisms and developmental processes play a crucial role in the aetiology of specific phobias.
Furthermore, there are now strong indications that certain cognitive processes contribute to the maintenance of phobic symptoms. The present chapter will evaluate these elements in more detail. The first section is concerned with the symptomatology and epidemiology of specific phobias. The second section emphasises the developmental aspects of specific phobias. This is followed in the third section by a discussion of the learning mechanisms that are involved in the aetiology of specific phobias. The fourth section outlines various cognitive mechanisms that presumably intensify phobic symptoms. Next, treatment methods for specific phobias are briefly considered.