Aviophobia

__What is it?__
 * Aviophobia**
 * This phobia is the fear of flying, such as in an airplane. This phobia may be caused by the thought of flying or when actually boarding a plane. There are varied reactions to this phobia such as minor anxiety or a full blown panic attack. It might also have connection to other phobias and fears, such as fear of the loss of control, the fear of heights, or the fear of confined spaces.**

__What might cause this phobia?__
 * This could be caused from past experiences. For example, a person who experienced a bad flight with extreme turbulence or when the plane lost control, they might be fearful of undergoing such an event again. Also, a person who might have lost someone close to them in a plane crash will be scared to go on a plane.**

__How can it be treated?__ **This anxiety disorder could be treated in many different ways. For instance, group therapy could be held for people with a common fear of flying so that they will have people to relate to. Also, individual counseling could be an option in which the counselor actually forces the patient to face his/her fear. For example, they can encourage the patient to actually fly at least once a year and then progress from there. If the other methods are not successful, anti-anxiety medication could be proscribed.** __How can it affect a person’s life?__
 * This phobia can limit people to certain career opportunities that require flying, such as business trips or pilots. Also, they won’t take the advantage of exploring the world and traveling to various places. You might miss important events that require going somewhere miles away due to this fear. Also, the panic attacks may affect the people around you and cause them to worry. **

Ellen, Pamela