How Common Are Phobias?
• Approximately l3% to 15% of the U.S. population has one or more phobias in a given year (this includes social and specific phobias and agoraphobia). • Specific phobias occur in people of all ages. The average age of onset for social phobia is between 15 and 20 years of age, although it can often begin in childhood. What Causes Phobias? Traumatic events often trigger the development of specific phobias, which are slightly more prevalent in women than men. Research shows that social phobia may have a hereditary component and occurs in women and men in equal proportions. However, men may seek treatment for social phobia more frequently than women. What Treatments Are Available for Phobias? Social phobia can be effectively treated with medications including MAOIs, SSRIs, and high potency benzodiazepines. People with a specific form of social phobia called performance phobia have been helped by drugs called beta blockers. There is no proven drug treatment for specific phobias, but certain
