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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Suggest Treatment For Safety Phobia

i have this thing, its a fear of a thief or stranger barging in my house at night. i know its not normal, but it is for me. i even carry a knife with me sometimes, and cellphone in case of emergencies. im 18, and this has been going on for as long as i can remember. i cant sleep at night under the constant fear of saving those around me, not me myself. i dont care about my safety, just of those around me. whats wrong with me?
posted on Wed, 27 Aug 2014
Twitter Sat, 20 Sep 2014 Answered on
Twitter Mon, 22 Sep 2014 Last reviewed on
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Psychiatrist,  's  Response
Each one of us has a set of dreaded objects, real or imaginary. Someone may fear dogs or cats or rats or snakes or spiders; others may be consciously troubled by the thought of a natural calamity earthquake or flood or volcano; and as you mention you are afraid of intruders who may harm those around you. You seem to have developed a 'phobic' disorder.

A real terror attack doesn’t generate as much turmoil for a phobic individual as does confrontation with their feared object. You are in a constant fear of such a situation arising and hence the restless and anticipatory anxiety of these situations. Phobias require restructuring of the faulty learning principles so the feared behavior is unlearned. There are therapy techniques like relaxation training, situational exposure, exposure with cognitive restructuring, and social skills training which can help you get rid of this fear. Medication helps assist the management of anxiety that usually co-exist because of the negative perceptions that have been established in your mind.

You would really benefit with consulting an expert professional to help you deal with this fear. Please do not hesitate to contact us anytime for further information.
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Suggest Treatment For Safety Phobia

Each one of us has a set of dreaded objects, real or imaginary. Someone may fear dogs or cats or rats or snakes or spiders; others may be consciously troubled by the thought of a natural calamity earthquake or flood or volcano; and as you mention you are afraid of intruders who may harm those around you. You seem to have developed a phobic disorder. A real terror attack doesn’t generate as much turmoil for a phobic individual as does confrontation with their feared object. You are in a constant fear of such a situation arising and hence the restless and anticipatory anxiety of these situations. Phobias require restructuring of the faulty learning principles so the feared behavior is unlearned. There are therapy techniques like relaxation training, situational exposure, exposure with cognitive restructuring, and social skills training which can help you get rid of this fear. Medication helps assist the management of anxiety that usually co-exist because of the negative perceptions that have been established in your mind. You would really benefit with consulting an expert professional to help you deal with this fear. Please do not hesitate to contact us anytime for further information.