Do you feel afraid or experience intense fear when in a particular situation or around a particular animal or object? Do you notice your heart racing, shortness of breath, or sweating? These are all common signs and symptoms of phobias. To find out if you could potentially have a phobia, you may want to start out by taking our free online phobia test. The test will help you determine if you should speak to one of our licensed therapists.
Definition of a Phobia
A phobia is an anxiety disorder where the individual experiences a persistent, uncontrollable, or irrational fear of an activity, object, animal, or situation. Some phobias may be mild, while others can be more intense and interfere with being able to take care of daily tasks and routines.
For example, you may have a fear of heights, which does not interfere with your daily functioning as long as you don’t climb up ladders or look over the side of a tall building. On the other hand, you could have social anxiety disorder, which is a phobia in which you are afraid of being judged or singled out by others in social settings. You may also be afraid of being in situations where there are a large number of people.
Some common signs and symptoms of phobias can include:
- An intense sense of fear or panic
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pains
- Trembling
- Seating
- Confusion
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Chills or hot flashes
- Headaches once the fear or panic subsides
- Dry mouth
- Feeling like you are being choked
- Inability to move
- Avoiding situations, objects, activities, or animals that trigger your phobia
- Unwanted or intrusive thoughts about your phobia
Take Our Online Phobia Test
Our online phobia test consists of a list of statements related to phobias you can answer to help you determine when you should seek help from a qualified therapist. Remember, the test is completely anonymous. So, you should answer each statement truthfully and honestly. Additionally, there are no right or wrong answers.
Furthermore, it is important to remember our free phobia test is just an assessment tool. Its results do not necessarily mean you have a phobia or an anxiety disorder. However, if your results indicate you may have a phobia, then it is highly recommended to schedule a consultation appointment with one of our therapists at Renewal Oasis Behavioral Health.
Emotional Reactions:
- Do you feel intense fear or anxiety when faced with a specific object, situation, or activity?
- Does thinking about this object or situation trigger feelings of dread or panic?
- Do you avoid certain activities or situations because of fear, even if they pose no real danger?
- Does your fear seem unreasonable or excessive compared to the actual threat?
Physical Reactions:
- Do you experience physical symptoms like a racing heart, sweating, trembling, or nausea when encountering the object or situation that you fear?
- Have you ever felt shortness of breath, dizziness, or a choking sensation in response to your fear?
- Do you experience an uncontrollable urge to flee or escape when exposed to the source of your fear?
Behavioral Reactions:
- Do you go out of your way to avoid certain places, objects, or activities due to your fear?
- Does avoiding this fear interfere with your daily life, work, or relationships?
- Have you made significant changes to your routine to prevent encountering the source of your fear?
Cognitive Reactions:
- Do you frequently think about or anticipate encountering your fear, even when it’s not present?
- Do you believe that encountering the object or situation could lead to catastrophic outcomes, even if others consider it safe?
Impact on Life:
- Has your fear caused you significant distress or interfered with your ability to function in everyday life?
- Do friends or family members comment on how your fear affects your actions or decisions?
- Have you avoided seeking help because you’re embarrassed or ashamed of your fear?
Duration and Frequency:
- Have you experienced this fear consistently for at least six months?
- Is your fear triggered every time you encounter the object or situation?
Specific Situations:
- Are there specific objects or situations (e.g., animals, heights, flying, social interactions) that you fear intensely?
- Do you feel more anxious in certain places (e.g., confined spaces, crowds, open areas) than others?
- Has this fear been present since childhood, or did it develop later in life?
Assessing the Phobia Test
If, after taking our free phobia test, you answered yes to one or more questions, you may be dealing with a phobia. It is important to remember our free phobia test is just an assessment tool. Its results do not necessarily mean you have a phobia or an anxiety disorder. However, if your results indicate you may have a phobia, then it is highly recommended to schedule a consultation appointment with a licensed professional.
At Renewal Oasis Behavioral Health, we offer different levels of care to help you address your phobia and develop effective coping skills and strategies to lead a productive and fulfilling life, including:
- Residential treatment: Our residential treatment provides round-the-clock care and supervision. It is well-suited for people with severe phobias that are impacting their daily functioning. It is also ideal for anyone who is having thoughts of self-harm, suicide, or could hurt others.
- Partial hospitalization program: Our PHP is a step down level of care from our residential program. It provides the same highly structured and intensive environment, but people are allowed to return home in the evenings or to a supportive living facility.
- Intensive outpatient program: Our IOP provides more flexibility for individuals who have work, school, and other personal commitments and need phobia treatment. IOPs are also a step down level of care from PHPs.
- Outpatient treatment: Our outpatient treatment provides ongoing support and assistance to help people continue managing their phobias. Sessions are held at times convenient to the individual. Some people meet weekly, while others meet bi-monthly or monthly, based on their specific needs.
Contract Renewal Oasis About Mental Health Treatment
After you complete our free online phobia test, if you have concerns, questions, or believe you may have a phobia, do not hesitate to contact Renewal Oasis Behavioral Health. Our caring and compassionate team of mental health professionals provides comprehensive treatment and care plans based on your individual needs. Stop letting fear and panic control your life by calling us now to schedule an initial consultation.