As the most common anxiety disorder, it?s surprising how little we know about phobias. Phobias develop because of irrational fears about people, objects, animals or situations. Some phobias can be traced back to childhood, but there is no clear stage in life that phobias are more likely to begin.

There are three main categories of phobias: social, specific and agoraphobia. Social phobias are fears of involvement with other people and social situations where they may be watched or scrutinized by others. Specific phobias are a fear of specific situations, objects, animals or other people. Agoraphobia is a general fear of leaving ones home or safe space.

Field experts agree there is no one way to treat phobias. Almost all effective treatments do involve some level of desensitization through repeated exposure to the cause of the phobia. This is also known as graduated exposure therapy or systematic desensitization therapy.

Cognitive behavioral theory teaches the phobic to analyze their phobic thoughts and develop solutions. This type of treatment often involves the phobic proceeding through a series of steps. As the phobic learns to manage their anxiety at each step, they proceed to the next.

There is a staggering number of different ways to treat phobias. Though none have yet to be scientifically proven, success of the treatments abound. What works for one may not work for another, hence the variety in techniques.

Phobias are alive and well in all parts of society and in all parts of the world. Many of us hear terms that indicate phobias without realizing the impact of the words. Xenophobia, for example is a fear of strangers or the unknown. This phobia may keep someone from traveling to different areas outside of what he knows. Homophobia, or a dislike or fear of homosexuality is another term commonly used and heard.

Treatment for phobias does work, though the individual may have to try a few techniques before they find the one best suited for them. Many phobias, especially specific phobias are deep rooted and take time to change.

It is thought that all phobias are treatable, as long as the phobic is willing to undergo the treatment. Treatment can be as minimal as reading a self-help book and doing the suggested exercises to meeting with a licensed therapist for a period of time.