Your doctor will likely ask you to describe your symptoms, how often they occur and what triggers them. Sometimes physical disorders occur along with anxiety disorders. As with other anxiety disorders, you'll probably undergo a complete physical exam so that your doctor can determine whether health conditions other than phobias could be causing your symptoms of anxiety. Phobias sometimes occur along with other anxiety disorders and may be accompanied by depression, abuse of alcohol or other substances, or eating disorders. Your doctor may try to identify other mental disorders that may exist before suggesting a course of treatment.

• Anxiety

• Chest pain

• Depression

Having a phobia may be accompanied by a variety of other health problems. These may include:

• Physical disorders. The fear and stress of phobias could contribute to high blood pressure, asthma or various physical discomforts, such as chest pain and digestive problems.

• Depression. The avoidance of many activities that other people find enjoyable in their personal and professional lives may lead you to become depressed.

• Substance abuse. Some people with phobias turn to alcohol or other drugs to deal with stress. This unwise and unhealthy choice can lead to abuse of alcohol or other drugs.