Amaxophobia Symptoms and Treatment

Amaxophobia Symptoms and Treatment More in Phobias Types Causes Symptoms and Diagnosis Treatment Amaxophobia, or the fear of being a passenger, can be virtually crippling. Imagine how life-limiting it would be if you were too afraid to be a passenger in a car, bus, train, or airplane. Thankfully, many, though not all, people with amaxophobia can drive their own cars. The prospect of allowing someone else to take control of the trip, however, is terrifying. Like many specific phobias, the impact of amaxophobia depends largely on context. If you live in a self-contained walkable neighborhood like New York City, even a severe case of amaxophobia may not greatly affect your life. Everything you need is nearby or you can order it online. If you live in a rural area or a sprawling city, where even picking up groceries requires a long car ride, a mild case of amaxophobia may be devastating. Symptoms   Amaxophobia, like any phobia, runs the gamut from mild to severe. Some people can travel in a car with a driver they fully trust, such as a spouse or parent. Others can take a bus or taxi on a familiar route. In the most severe cases, amaxophobics are unable to travel at all, except on foot. There are three types of phobia: specific phobia, social phobia, and agoraphobia. Amaxophobia is a specific phobiaâ€"a fear of a specific situation or object. However, this psychological disorder could also be agoraphobia, a fear of being trapped in a place where you cant escape. A trained clinician can help you determine which phobia or combination of phobias you have. In order for a mental health professional to make a specific phobia or agoraphobia diagnosis, your symptoms must match the American Psychiatric Associations general criteria?, including:?? Automatic and uncontrollable phobic reactions, such as trembling, shortness of breath and digestive issuesTaking extreme measures to avoid your triggerAn exaggerated reaction totally disproportionate to the actual risk; the patient can be aware or unaware their reaction is extreme.Duration of 6 months or more Symptoms specific to amaxophobia include: An intense fear of getting into an accidentBeing afraid of the injuries or fatalities that would result from the accidentAggressive backseat drivingA fear of being trapped in the vehicle Treatment The list of possible consequences of amaxophobia is long and includes a wide variety of repercussions for your career and personal life. For example, you might limit your earning potential because you can only apply for jobs within walking distance of your home. Maybe youre left out of excursions with friends and family, which makes you feel isolated and depressed. If amaxophobia is seriously affecting your quality of life, seek professional help. Success rates for treating all types of phobia are high and short-term, cognitive behavioral therapy treatments for specific phobia can be effective after one to three sessions.?? What Is the Fear of Driving and Do You Have It?