Is fear of flying OCD?


Is fear of flying OCD? Fear of flying can present at any age and involves a chronic, persistent fear of flying because of a number of different reasons. This fear can present on its own as in a Specific Phobia or as an obsession in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).


Is it natural to be scared of flying?

Fear of flying is quite common. About one in six people have a significant fear that prevents them from flying, and about one in five regular flyers use alcohol or prescription drugs to 'help' them through a flight.


How do I fight flight anxiety?

7 simple tricks to beat flight anxiety
  1. Know your triggers. Figuring out what triggers the onset of fear is important in conquering flight anxiety. ...
  2. Check the forecast. ...
  3. Distract yourself. ...
  4. Talk about it. ...
  5. Relax before a flight. ...
  6. Use a deep breathing technique. ...
  7. Embrace safety information.


How do you fly with OCD?

Planning ahead can help people with OCD feel less anxious about traveling. Make a list of everything you'll need for the trip, including medications, toiletries, and other items that will help you manage your symptoms. Pack it in your carry-on so you always have it handy.


How do I stop intrusive thoughts about flying?

By doing exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapy with a trained ERP therapist you can experience decreased anxiety and learn to practice effective management skills when traveling by plane. An ERP therapist will work with you to help recognize obsessive worries and any compulsive responses to them.


Is fear of flying genetic?

There is no specific cause of aerophobia, as the fear usually originates from a combination of factors. The fear of heights can be genetically inherited, or the fear of flying may be modeled to kids by their parents. Increased exposure to media that show plane crashes or other incidents may also play a role.


Can you fly planes if you have anxiety?

The FAA encourages pilots to seek help if they have a mental health condition since most, if treated, do not disqualify a pilot from flying.


What disorder is fear of flying?

Aerophobia is an extreme fear of flying. People with aerophobia might feel intense anxiety before or during a flight. This condition can interfere with your ability to travel for work or pleasure. If aerophobia is affecting your quality of life, talk to your healthcare provider.


What medicine helps with flying anxiety?

People often come to us requesting the doctor or nurse to prescribe diazepam for fear of flying or assist with sleep during flights. Diazepam is a sedative, which means it makes you sleepy and more relaxed.


What are four reasons people are afraid of flying?

What causes aerophobia?
  • News stories about terrorism, crashes or violence on airplanes.
  • Take-off and landing.
  • Thoughts about fire or illness spreading through the plane.
  • Turbulence (bumps during the flight).


What do doctors prescribe for fear of flying?

Flight anxiety medication
  • fluvoxamine (Faverin)
  • citalopram (Celexa)
  • escitalopram (Lexapro)
  • paroxetine (Paxil)


Is fear of flying a mental illness?

Flying phobia is a highly prevalent anxiety disorder, which causes sufferers significant distress and life interference.


What is the best sedative for flying?

What Are the Best—And Safest—Sleeping Pills for Flights?
  • Ambien. Ambien—the most powerful option on this list and the only one that requires a prescription—works as a sedative-hypnotic medication that slows your brain activity to make you feel very sleepy. ...
  • Tylenol PM. ...
  • Melatonin.


Can fear of flying be cured?

Most people with aerophobia respond well to treatment such as psychotherapy. One study suggests that some people's symptoms improved for two to three years after CBT. It's possible for aerophobia to return after treatment, so some people may need ongoing therapy.


Does Xanax help with flying?

While Xanax may be useful for flying on an airplane, it will not help you with your anxiety. It may help in the moment but you will not tackle your fear of flying if you are asleep the whole flight. If you ran out of your medication or left it at home, the anxiety will still exist if you go on an airplane again.