Some types of phobia

Social Phobia or Anxiety

Social phobia is the most common problem presented for therapy. Social Phobia is the fear of being judged, embarrassed or humiliated in a public situation.

Sufferers will avoid any situation where they may be put in the spotlight or 'on the spot'. With poor self image and an overwhelming fear of rejection, they will avoid any situation where they may be put on the spot and worry about how others may perceive them. This makes them oversensitive and may develop an inferiority complex leading to other symptoms such as blushing, stutters or stammers, sexual inhibition, fear of public speaking, afraid of those in authority and other performance anxieties.

Blushing

Once started, blushing starts a 'vicious circle' when the start of the event is compounded by realisation it is happening through comments from observers. Sufferers feel themselves getting hot and bothered and turning red and that realisation they are showing an outward sign compounds their feeling of embarrassment.

Shy bladder (Men)

Shy bladder (sometimes known as paruresis,) is a condition endured by many men, where they are unable to urinate in front of others or in any place that is unfamiliar to them. This will vary in severity depending on the individual concerned and the circumstances involved. It is a problem that can grow worse when stress and anxiety levels are high. It is an embarrassing condition for those who suffer from it and as such very few will actually consult their GP .

Fearful of vomiting or being sick

Sometimes known as emetephobia, phagaphobia or vimitaphobia, is an irrational and overwhelming fear of being personally sick or vomiting or being in the presence of someone who is at risk of being sick or vomiting. Emetophobia sufferers find the condition totally governs their lives. Social occasions and eating out is normally out of the question. Even the though or words around being sick leads to panic and distress. Sufferers may also be obsessive with hygiene as they identify vomiting with dirt and germs.

They may avoid public toilets and such and have trouble with other hygiene related problems. It is not unusual for this condition to be mis-diagnosed as an eating disorder as they eat very little in public. There are linked fears such as gagging, choking, germs, drowning, hospitals, illness etc. .