personal injury suffered in a hospital

Posted on: 25 April 2016

If you have been injured in an auto accident, you are not alone. There is an average of 6 million auto accidents each year, which result in approximately 3 million people being injured. In addition to the injuries that you may be able to see, there are other mental or psychological conditions that you cannot see. In addition to anxiety, depression, and post traumatic stress disorders, you may also find yourself suffering from a wide range of related phobias. Understanding these phobias is the first step towards finding effective treatment.

Vehophobia

If you suffer from vehophobia, you suffer from a fear of driving. You may experience this fear in certain driving situations, or you may experience symptoms of this phobia any time you have to drive. Vehophobia is most commonly caused by one or more of the following:

• Traffic accidents
• Strict driving instructors
• Road rage from other drivers
• Stress during traffic congestion
• Other nervous disorders, medical conditions, or anxiety attacks

In addition to the above items, you have the potential to develop vehophobia anytime you experience other types of traumatic events while you are behind the wheel. Some of these may include adverse or dangerous weather conditions, a child or animal darting out into the road in front of you, or a similar type of stressor.

Physical symptoms of vehophobia include:

• Increased heart rate
• Chest pains
• Shallow breathing
• Nausea or vomiting
• Sweating palms, etc.

If you suffer from this phobia, you may need some type of gradual desensitization, cognitive behavior therapy, hypnotherapy, or various types of medication.

Amaxophobia

Your phobia may go further than a fear of driving. You may find yourself with a fear of riding in an automobile altogether. This fear is referred to as Amaxophia. If you are like some people, you may only experience this phobia when someone else is driving, due to fear of handing over control of your safety. You may have no problems as long as you are the one behind the wheel.

If you are like others, you may find yourself uncomfortable no matter what position you are sitting in. In these cases you may go out of your way to avoid riding in a vehicle at all.

You may experience some of the following physical symptoms of Amaxophobia.

• Increased heartbeat
• Hyperventilation or a shortness of breath
• Trembling
• Anxiety

You may also experience a feeling of panic, terror, or dread.

Suggested treatment for this condition may include:

• Relaxation techniques
• Psychotherapy
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy
• Exposure therapy
• Visualization
• Medication and more

Hodophobia

If you suffer from Hobophobia, you may have an exaggerated or irrational fear traveling or being away from home. You may fear certain forms of transportation more than others. For example, you may fear to travel by boat, train, or automobiles. Attempting to travel may cause you to lose control. Just the thought of traveling may cause you to experience physical symptoms that may include some or all of the following:

• Stomach aches
• Headaches
• Upset stomach or diarrhea
• Sweating
• Shaking
• Shortness of breath
• Panic attacks
• Motion sickness

Hodophobia can be brought on by a traumatic accident while you are traveling. While this phobia may be brought on by an auto accident, it can also be caused by becoming lost or separated from those in your party.

Treatment for hodophobia just like the other phobias that have been discussed is best provided by a therapist or other medical personnel. Some of the things they may encourage you to attempt to do in an effort to overcome your fear may include the following:

• Plan your travel well in advance.
• Be prepared by creating an itinerary, making your reservations, and asking for a layout of your transportation option. 
• Allow time for delays, changes in your plans, or other things that may prompt your anxieties or panic attacks.
• Get enough sleep in advance of your trip, eat right, and stay hydrated.
• Travel with someone that you know you can trust.

If your doctor feels that you need medication to help to manage your anxiety, they may prescribe something for you to take prior to, as well as during, the time that you are traveling.

If you have been injured in an automobile accident and have developed any of these phobias or any others as a result of the accident, you deserve to be compensated. Speak to a car accident attorney, such as those at Gelman Gelman Wiskow & McCarthy LLC. They will be able to evaluate your case and provide you with your legal options.