It is common for phobias to occur alongside other psychological disorders, particularly other anxiety disorders, depression and substance abuse. In many cases, untreated phobias eventually progress to other disorders.
Social Phobia
Social phobia is an intense fear of social situations. Some people experience a social phobia that is limited to specific situations, such as speaking in public. Others experience a general social phobia, fearing virtually all social activities.
Although social phobia sometimes resolves spontaneously, it generally gets worse over time. Limited social phobia may progress to general social phobia. As the sufferer’s fears worsen, he or she may eventually develop agoraphobia.
Social phobia may also lead to depression and substance abuse. These disorders are often caused by the loneliness and isolation that many people with social phobia experience.
Agoraphobia
Agoraphobia is an intense fear of being alone in a situation where a panic attack may occur. Agoraphobia most commonly occurs in people who have panic disorder, but may also occur independently.
People with agoraphobia typically experience “clusters” of fears. Common clusters include fear of driving, fear of being in crowds and even fear of leaving home.
Untreated agoraphobia may become progressively worse. New clusters of fears can be added. Eventually the agoraphobic person may become completely housebound.
Agoraphobia can also lead to depression and substance abuse. Like social phobia, agoraphobia can cause intense loneliness and isolation, which is believed to trigger the depression and substance abuse.
Specific Phobia
Specific phobias do not typically progress to other disorders. The limited nature of a specific phobia makes it likely that the sufferer can simply avoid the feared object or situation. However, specific phobias can become more severe and difficult to treat over time.
Treatment Success
Treatment of phobias with medication, therapy or a combination of both is generally successful. The more severe the phobia is, the longer treatment is likely to take. With persistence, however, success is very likely to occur.
Source:Epidemiology of Anxiety Disorders. Current Diagnosis & Treatment in Psychiatry. http://psychiatry.healthse.com/psy/categories/C19
