Among the phobias, driving phobia probably ranks as one of the poor distant cousins nobody can remember. This is literally true since it does not a Latin name like claustrophobia or arachnophobia. It doesn't mean that this particular affliction can simply be neglected. On the contrary, panicking in or near a moving vehicle is infinitely more dangerous than being stuck in a lift or having to deal with a spider.
In order to overcome this disorder, it is important to understand the nature of the beast. Take a look at the symptoms, causes and possible treatments outlined below. Panicked drivers can be classified under two categories, depending on the nature of the trigger. A person who has suffered in a prior accident has a legitimate reason to panic, and the PTSD symptoms can pop up when facing similar situations again.
There is also the general fear of not being able to control the vehicle and/or getting hurt in an accident. The main triggers for such incidents are usually stress and heavy traffic. The phobia then becomes self-fulfilling under such conditions, as the fear and loss of concentration causes the driver to lose control.
Passengers can be afraid of being in a car for pretty much the same reasons. Pedestrians can similarly be afraid of sidewalks and intersections on roads with vehicles whizzing by. Some patients cannot handle excessive speeds, which is a lot more inconvenient since it precludes just about any kind of travel.
The way these fears manifest themselves physically is very much the same in all these cases. There will be heavy sweating and uncontrollable trembling and shaking. Unsteady and slippery hands will be accompanied by blurred vision caused by sweat and fear. The result is loss of control of the vehicle and an inability to focus on the road. The chances of an accident are now very real, so panic sets in with an accelerated pulse. The patient is unable to think clearly or take any evasive action.
Medication can be provided to calm the nerves and keep the aforementioned symptoms at bay. However, this is a psychological affliction for which the only real cure is therapy. Except for the driver suffering from PTSD caused by an earlier accident, the rest of these cases can all be treated entirely through behavioral therapy.
It may also be helpful to consider taking driving lessons from an expert. The aim here would be to overcome the fear and learn to relax while driving. Improving skills and picking up better techniques to drive will further reduce the chances of an accident, and consequently the fear of being involved in one. It might also help to make some changes in the daily routine, such as quitting a stressful commute or a job which calls for a long drive in heavy traffic.
Anyone suffering from driving phobia must realize that it is a serious and recognized disease, similar to alcoholism or obesity. Do not try to hide or ignore the symptoms, because supportive family and friends will be able to help in many ways. The first step in finding a cure for this affliction is to acknowledge its existence and seek help.
In order to overcome this disorder, it is important to understand the nature of the beast. Take a look at the symptoms, causes and possible treatments outlined below. Panicked drivers can be classified under two categories, depending on the nature of the trigger. A person who has suffered in a prior accident has a legitimate reason to panic, and the PTSD symptoms can pop up when facing similar situations again.
There is also the general fear of not being able to control the vehicle and/or getting hurt in an accident. The main triggers for such incidents are usually stress and heavy traffic. The phobia then becomes self-fulfilling under such conditions, as the fear and loss of concentration causes the driver to lose control.
Passengers can be afraid of being in a car for pretty much the same reasons. Pedestrians can similarly be afraid of sidewalks and intersections on roads with vehicles whizzing by. Some patients cannot handle excessive speeds, which is a lot more inconvenient since it precludes just about any kind of travel.
The way these fears manifest themselves physically is very much the same in all these cases. There will be heavy sweating and uncontrollable trembling and shaking. Unsteady and slippery hands will be accompanied by blurred vision caused by sweat and fear. The result is loss of control of the vehicle and an inability to focus on the road. The chances of an accident are now very real, so panic sets in with an accelerated pulse. The patient is unable to think clearly or take any evasive action.
Medication can be provided to calm the nerves and keep the aforementioned symptoms at bay. However, this is a psychological affliction for which the only real cure is therapy. Except for the driver suffering from PTSD caused by an earlier accident, the rest of these cases can all be treated entirely through behavioral therapy.
It may also be helpful to consider taking driving lessons from an expert. The aim here would be to overcome the fear and learn to relax while driving. Improving skills and picking up better techniques to drive will further reduce the chances of an accident, and consequently the fear of being involved in one. It might also help to make some changes in the daily routine, such as quitting a stressful commute or a job which calls for a long drive in heavy traffic.
Anyone suffering from driving phobia must realize that it is a serious and recognized disease, similar to alcoholism or obesity. Do not try to hide or ignore the symptoms, because supportive family and friends will be able to help in many ways. The first step in finding a cure for this affliction is to acknowledge its existence and seek help.
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