Phobia That really helps with spiders

What helps against spider phobia

28/12/2014

Anxiety disorders in which people fear certain animals are widespread. In Germany, the fear of spiders is one of the most common phobias. But with the right methods, those affected can often get their spider phobia under control.

Widespread fear of spiders
Many people are afraid of circumstances like dizzying heights or flying. Also anxiety disorders, in which people are afraid of certain animals, are widespread. The fear of spiders is one of the most common phobias in this country. Sufferers sometimes do not even have to encounter a living specimen with hairy legs and a thick body, but even looking at photos may be enough to cause physical symptoms such as trembling hands and legs, a dry mouth, sweating or disgusting feelings that may be accompanied by nausea and vomiting to trigger. In addition, some spider phobics often complain of a lump in the throat, dizziness, or racing heart when they hit the animals.

fear of „the movement pattern of the animals“
Christa Roth-Sackenheim, chairwoman of the Professional Association of German Nervous Physicians (BVDN) and Specialist in Psychotherapy from Andernach, told the news agency dpa that phobias are the most common among animals that are least similar to the human silhouette. But even if this is the case with spiders, Holger Kirk can not explain the extreme reactions. The Hamburger, who gives seminars in which people overcome their spider phobia, told the agency: „It is clear that phobics are by no means afraid of a spider bite, but of the movement pattern of the animals“. The causes of a phobia are manifold. „Basically, fear is a developmentally important emotion that protects against taking risks“, so Roth-Sackenheim. Phobias are one „Dysregulation of healthy anxiety sensation“.

Exchange experiences in self-help groups
Basically, any form of directed fear is called phobia. „It is pathological if it limits the quality of life“, explained Roth-Sackenheim. Kirk added that animal phobia is more than just aversion. The fear of fear is another hallmark. Thus, people who have a phobia avoid situations in which it can be triggered. By avoiding the phobia but only stronger. Affected people have different ways to get their fear under control. For many, self-help groups are helpful in sharing experiences. If the fear is extreme and comes along with problems such as massive heart rate, sweats or hours of restlessness, you should do a behavioral therapy, as Roth-Sackenheim recommends: „Here one learns to reduce the fear.“

Various therapy options
Often, treatments are about confrontation. „The recipe is simple: enter into the fear-provoking situation, guided by a helper, so long in it, until you are no longer afraid“, Kirk explained. „And then you are free.“ However, the duration for which one is exposed to the situation, crucial. „Phobics do not expect their anxiety to decrease“, so Kirk. Naturally, this happens because the body can not stay at a high level of anxiety for many hours. „At some point we will be calmer.“ However, Kirk emphasized at the same time that these treatments must be carried out with great sensitivity. „A shock therapy is to be rejected.“ In his seminars, the participants determine how fast they lead the confrontation. He said: „Especially for the spider phobia: It is terrible at first, but it can usually be overcome in a two- to four-hour seminar.“ If the fears are so severe that they can not get them out of the house, medication can help. „They put those in the first place in the position to be able to visit a therapist“, so Roth-Sackenheim. In addition to psychotherapeutic procedures, the treatment of phobias has also been proven to include depth psychological procedures, behavioral therapies or therapies with hypnosis. (Ad)