Making the Diagnosis
When someone recognizes that the feelings of anxiety or distress in any
type of phobia become worrying, or are interfering with daily life or relationships,
a doctor or therapist can help pinpoint the problem. A health professional
may start with a range of questions to evaluate if symptoms and behavior are
consistent with a phobia. This can include asking about:
- the person's specific responses to certain situations
- how long the condition has been evident
- how often the person experiences the symptoms of a phobia
- how much of the person's time is taken up by thoughts of encountering something
that's feared.
Based on the answers, the particular type and cause of the phobia can be pinpointed.
Usually, the best clue to a diagnosis is if someone often or always tries to
avoid any situation that triggers the symptoms. For children or teens under
18 years old, the symptoms need to have been present for at least six months
for diagnosing specific phobias.