People who suffer from a fear of flying greatly limit their work options and ability to see friends and family members. Some people become so immobilized and anxious about flying that they miss out on important life events, such as a best friend's wedding or a daughter's graduation from college. The good news is that there are treatment options available for people with this phobia.
Medication
Some individuals who need to fly for work or for family emergencies take medication to reduce their feelings of anxiety. Doctors prescribe antidepressants, such as SSRIs, for most anxiety disorders because they are less addicting than anti-anxiety medications. On the other hand, antidepressants can take weeks to become fully effective. This is why more doctors turn to the quick solution of anti-anxiety medication for their patients with a fear of flying. And if the patient is taking it for only a short period of time, anti-anxiety medication can be a very good option for her. If, however, she has to travel and use anti-anxiety medications frequently, there is a chance she could become addicted.
Beta blockers are another medication used in treating anxiety and phobias, according to the Mayo Clinic. These medications help prevent the physical symptoms of anxiety, such as rapid heartbeat and sweating. Keep in mind, though, that these medications only address the immediate symptoms of anxiety. They do not cure a person's fear of flying.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
One type of therapy commonly used to treat anxiety is cognitive behavioral therapy, according to the Mayo Clinic. With this type of therapy, the counselor works with the client to help him understand how his thoughts related to flying affect his emotions and behaviors. For instance, if the client thinks, "This plane might crash," he'll experience symptoms of anxiety like a racing heart, trouble breathing and nausea. He might not get on the plane at all or be extremely anxious throughout the entire trip, possibly leading to a panic attack. The therapist would work with the client to change his pattern of thinking in order to change his emotions and behavior.
Exposure Therapy
Helpguide.org reports that exposure therapy is commonly used in treating specific phobias. With exposure therapy, the client is taught relaxation techniques and anxiety-reducing techniques, then gradually exposed to her fear. Exposing someone to flying can be extremely expensive once the client reaches the step where she needs to get on a plane and fly a short distance. One option for people with fear of flying is virtual reality flying. Through the use of virtual reality flying, a client can be exposed to different steps of the process and repeat them until she's comfortable to move on.
Classes
Some places, like the Washington D.C.'s Flying Anxiety Center, offer classes specifically for people who fear flying. They tailor their services to each person's particular needs. For instance, someone who already flies but experiences overwhelming anxiety will likely need fewer sessions than someone who has refused to fly for years and has panic attacks when he tries to fly.
