Fear and Phobias 5: Acrophobia
A fear of heights is a common condition and involves the same symptoms we find in other phobia, e.g., racing heart, shortness of breath, muscle tension, sweating, trembling and intense fear. The person suffering from this phobia needn't be in a tall building, but may find they experience this when going up on a ladder, an amusement ride or any high place, whether it be a bridge or vacation highlight such as the Grand Canyon.
We have seen this phobia used in films where they show one of the characters immobilized such as James Stewart in "Vertigo" where he can't climb a bell tower to save a woman. Again, the fear may be something learned, even an inner ear problem can trigger this phobia and the result is panic.
Medication, behavior therapy and relaxation techniques are the usual treatments.
Related Topics: Technorati Tags: acrophobia, phobia, heights, panic health and wellness
We have seen this phobia used in films where they show one of the characters immobilized such as James Stewart in "Vertigo" where he can't climb a bell tower to save a woman. Again, the fear may be something learned, even an inner ear problem can trigger this phobia and the result is panic.
Medication, behavior therapy and relaxation techniques are the usual treatments.
Related Topics: Technorati Tags: acrophobia, phobia, heights, panic health and wellness
6 Comments:
This is great information! I will tell my Crazy wife to check it out when I get home.
Thanks
Would this include going to park a car in one of the over-packed parking garages that are below ground! I get so freaked out by those---I have my friend drop me off outside of it so I dont have to feel suffocated!
I think if you feel suffocated in a small space that would be claustrophobia not acrophobia ^_^
I have a great fear of heights but I never had it untill after my last baby was born and I was past 30 years old!!! Could it possibly be physical?
Hypnosis is very effective in treatment phobias and anxiety, I don't know why anyone would try anything else! Just be sure to find a licensed hypnotist. The National Guild of Hypnotists maintains a list.
ANother wonderful treatment is acupuncture, very effective for anxiety and depression!
I love heights. I bunjee jumped from more than 200 feet when I was 4 years old.
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