About 19 million Americans have one or more phobias that range from mild to severe. Phobias typically result in a rapid onset of fear and are usually present for over six months. A specific phobia may be further subdivided into five categories: animal type, natural environment type, situational type, blood-injection-injury type, and others.Ī phobia is an anxiety disorder defined by a persistent and excessive fear of an object or situation. Specific phobias are fear of particular objects or social situations that immediately result in anxiety and can sometimes lead to panic attacks. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-V), such phobias are considered sub-types of anxiety disorder. Most phobias are classified into two categories. A phobia is an irrational, intense, persistent fear of certain situations, activities, things, or persons. Synopsis: List and definitions of both rare and common fears and phobias in children and adults. Library of Related Papers: Glossary and Definitions Publications It may still be useful for research but should be verified for accuracy and relevance.Īuthor: Disabled World | Contact: Disabled World () NOTE: This article is over 3 years old and may not reflect current information, despite the page being updated. Dr.□ Print page List of Phobias: Definitions and Descriptions Helping kids gradually face their fears in this way has proven to be quite successful in overcoming anxiety and excess worry. Instead, making a plan and role-playing what children can do to handle a storm allows them to feel confident that they know what to do when a storm comes. Of course, one of the challenges is that a therapist cannot conjure up a storm for a therapy session. Eventually, it works up to the child being outside in the rain or standing near a window watching a storm while it happens. That may transition to reading stories about storms and watching videos of tornadoes, hurricanes or other big storms. It may start with simply talking about storms. The therapy used for storm anxiety consists of helping kids face their fear. If the fear continues despite your attempts, or if it gets worse or becomes distressing to you as a parent, then it is time to seek professional help. Never punish or belittle a child for being afraid. As these behaviors decrease, children come to see that they can manage not knowing exactly what’s going to happen, and things often turn out fine.Īs you work through ways to help your daughter handle her fear, remember that it is important to be warm and encouraging. When kids rely on these behaviors, it prevents them from learning that they can handle uncertainty. Try to help your daughter decrease her “safety behaviors.” These are the things she does that make her feel a little better but don’t really do anything to keep her safe, including checking the forecast or asking about heading to shelter. Just be careful that the sources you choose focus on the storms themselves, rather than dwelling on the destruction they may cause. Understanding what causes a storm can ease some children’s anxiety about when a storm may happen. Books, websites or other resources that discuss storms are a good place for your daughter to learn more. Reassure her that you will do whatever you can to keep her safe. Talk to your daughter about what your family can do during a storm - even if you are outdoors or away from home. For some children, it is comforting to know the plan for staying safe in a storm. There are several things you can try to ease your daughter’s fear. It can be wearing on parents, too, as the children look for constant reassurance that there is not going to be a storm. This stress can get in the way of other aspects of their lives, such as schoolwork, because the fear makes it hard for them to concentrate. They may try to avoid outdoor activities. That anticipation can result in ongoing stress and anxiety.Īs you describe, many kids like your daughter are hesitant to leave the house if they think they may get caught in a storm. For children who have a significant fear of storms, the problem comes not so much from a storm itself, but from the anticipation of a storm. If you find her fear of storms does not improve, or if the anxiety begins to interfere with daily life, consider having her talk with a therapist or counselor.ĭuring a storm, it is reasonable for a child to seek comfort from a parent. There are many things you can do at home that may ease her anxiety. Should I have her see a therapist?ĪNSWER: It’s common for children your daughter’s age to be afraid of storms. DEAR MAYO CLINIC: What can I do to help my 9-year-old daughter overcome her fear of thunderstorms and tornadoes? She is always asking about the weather and if we’ll need to go to the basement to be safe.
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