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Diagnosis of Phobias

Simple phobias are diagnosed by a discussion of the symptoms. Some people may diagnose themselves and seek help from a private counsellor with expertise in behaviour therapy.

People with more complex phobias will usually seek help from their GP who will refer to a psychologist. For a diagnosis of social phobia, all of the following should be present:
  • Symptoms must be due to anxiety and not secondary to other symptoms, such as delusions or obsessions.
  • The anxiety must be restricted to or predominate in particular social situations; and
  • Avoidance of the phobic situations must be a prominent feature.