Search Phobias
Phobia Quote
The moment we begin to fear the opinions of others and hesitate to tell the truth that is in us, and from motives of policy are silent when we should speak, the divine floods of light and life no longer flow into our souls.
Elizabeth Cady Stanton
Random Phobia
Melissaphobia is the fear of...
Click the phobia to See!
Already know this one? Refresh the page to see another one.
Contribute a Phobia!
Would you like to contribute to Phobiaq? Feel free to drop us a line about your experience with a phobia, and how you dealt with it.
Phobia Errors?!
If you see any errors or omissions on www.phobiaq.com, please take the time to report it to us. We are hoping to make Phobiaq a premier destination for accurate and relevant information
about phobias.
Acrophobia
Fear of heights
Information on Acrophobia
Acrophobia is the term given to a phobic and irrational fear of heights. Although "vertigo" is commonly used to describe this fear, it is more accurately a spinning sensation rather than a fear of heights. Acrophobia develops when a person experiences a panic attack in a high rise situation and is unable to escape. Panic attacks can cause immobility, high anxiety levels and a gripping fear. Those who suffer from acrophobia can also feel the urge to jump from heights in order to escape the overall situation. Maintaining balance at heights such as chair or table level can become impossible and simple tasks like climbing stairs, enjoying an upstairs balcony or changing a lightbulb can be difficult and unthinkable. In this way, acrophobia can conflict and detract from quality of life.
Acrophobia is a learned disease and hence, can be unlearned with the right therapies and medications. Treatments such as hypnotherapy and gradual exposure therapy involve adjusting the irrational pathways of the brain in order to develop healthy associations. Flooding involves completely exposing the patient to the fear in order to trigger the realization that they made it through the episode unharmed. Virtual reality therapy has become a popular way to expose patients to heights without the physical and financial limitations of reality. It also saves them from the embarrassment of the public places at which heights usually occur. Counter conditioning involves teaching relaxation techniques in order to allow the patient to regain control in the onset of a panic attack.
Alternate or Related Terms