Aviophobia - Causes, Symptoms, and Ways to Overcome

Introduction

Aviophobia is clinically defined as the fear of flying, which is one of the most commonly known phobias. This can be distressing, but there are ways to reduce and overcome this fear. Aviophobia can be associated with various other phobias.

How Is Aviophobia Caused?

1. One of the common causes that can be attributed to developing this fear is airplane accidents being discussed excessively on social media or various other sources. Looking through accidents can lead to fear, even before experiencing anything. Even airport security checks, like long queues, body searches, and X-ray scanners, can lead to the development of anxiety in some people.

2. The other reason could be due to a traumatic experience in the past, like a flight with severe air turbulence.

3. Aviophobia can also be caused as a result of various other types of fear, which can be any of the below-mentioned:

• Claustrophobia: It is defined as the fear of being in an enclosed space.

• Enochlophobia: It is the fear of being in a crowded place.

• Acrophobia: It is the fear of heights.

• A fear of hijacking.

• Terrorism fear.

What Are The Symptoms Of Phobia Of Flying?

Although the cause can be varied, people experiencing aviophobia may develop the below-mentioned signs and symptoms either before or during the flight:

• Shaking or shivering.

• Excessive sweating.

• Increased heart rate or heart palpitations.

• Shortness of breath.

• Dizziness.

• Nausea.

• Indigestion.

• Clouded thinking or confusion.

• Irritation.

For some people, even the idea of traveling or booking a ticket for flight travel may induce these symptoms. As there are various causes and triggering factors for developing this phobia, we will discuss the treatment options available in the below-mentioned section.

What Are The Treatment Options Available?

There are many methods to overcome or reduce this fear or flying-related phobia.

They are as follows:

1. Overcome It by Facing Your Fear:

It is called controlled exposure. This is one of the techniques psychologists use to help people overcome their fear of flying. This exposure-based therapy works by gradually exposing the person to the material or situation that induces fear.

People will mostly avoid things and situations that cause fear in them. Hence, they never get to learn to face their fear or anxiety about that situation. For those who fear flight, flight simulators can help reduce their fear of flying. The treatment includes several sessions and should be conducted under the guidance of a trained therapist or specialist. The first session helps the person identify and learn anxiety management techniques like deep breathing and managing his thoughts.

Then, the person learns to control their ear in a controlled manner in the following sessions. Speaking conventionally, the therapist used to accompany the person during their flights, but virtual reality is being used due to technological advancements. Then, regular follow-up is carried out for them.

2. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT):

CBT is done to help the person change how they think about the things they are scared of. In this method, the person learns to question his or her negative thoughts and emotions and assess whether they are realistic. Suppose they do not find these thoughts to be realistic or helpful. These thoughts must be changed to avoid developing negative thoughts or behaviors associated with that object or situation. Studies have shown that the skills inherited during CBT sessions help reduce anxiety. Also, the study population mentioned that they used the skills even after the treatment was completed, indicating that CBT has long-term effects.

3. Pharmacological Management:

Sometimes, medication is prescribed to a few individuals temporarily to manage the symptoms associated with a flying phobia, like anxiety and nausea. These drugs are more commonly advised to be taken before a flight. They are as follows:

• Medicine for motion sickness medication, like Dimenhydrinate.

• Anti-anxiety medication, like Diazepam or Alprazolam.

These medications should be strictly taken after being prescribed by a physician. They can provide only short-term relief; for long-term treatment, you have to follow other treatment methods. Since they are addictive, they should be used cautiously.

4. Take up a Course on Fear-Of-Flying:

Many airlines now offer individuals a one-day course to conquer the fear of flying. The course mainly aims at those too frightened to get on board and/or those who experience anxiety while flying. Also, meeting the pilots or cabin crew and asking them questions about flying can ease some individuals and minimize their phobia. In contrast, a few others find it beneficial to board a plane without the fear of a real flight, as this helps them become more familiar with and relaxed in the environment. Eventually, it helps them prepare themselves for the real flight.

5. Plan a Trip:

Stress related to flying can be managed by careful planning before traveling.

Following are some of the tips that can be practically applied to prevent fear due to flight:

• Book a short trip.

• As the middle seat over the wings has less turbulence, reserve a seat there.

• You can also choose an aisle seat. These seats have additional space, allowing you to stretch out your legs, or you can also pick a window seat with less disturbance.

• You can choose a larger plane, as they are less affected by turbulence.

• Reserving priority boarding will reduce standing in a queue before getting on the plane, as some people may get anxious while standing in the queue.

How Is the Diagnosis Made?

Many people suffering from aerophobia avoid flying rather than getting help. They might believe they are afraid of flying and not even be aware that they are experiencing a phobia. By engaging in avoidance behaviors, you run the risk of never experiencing a trigger or only very rarely doing so, which could keep the severe and overwhelming fear of flying from coming to light. This implies that a large number of sufferers of aerophobia never obtain a medical evaluation.

The doctor may conclude if the following symptoms are present.

• Impairs the ability to function in daily life.

• It hurts the standard of living.

• It makes sense to stay away from specific circumstances or locations.

• Has a detrimental effect on one's physical or mental health.

Conclusion

Fear due to flight is common, and you can overcome it using various measures. You can talk to a specialist online using online medical platforms to learn about this condition and how to limit or overcome it.