For most people, flying is not a natural experience — after all, humans weren’t made to soar through the sky. Feeling slightly nervous before a flight is completely normal. However, for some individuals, the fear becomes overwhelming and turns into what specialists call a flying phobia or aviophobia. This intense fear can make travel extremely stressful or even impossible.
When simple relaxation or coping techniques no longer help, consulting a psychiatrist in Dubai for treatment of flying phobia can be a life-changing step.
Understanding Flying Phobia
Flying phobia can develop for many reasons. Some people associate it with past negative experiences, such as severe turbulence or an emergency landing. Others feel trapped in the confined space of an aircraft or experience distress from not being in control. Even frequent flyers can suddenly develop this fear after a single stressful event.
People with flying anxiety often go through two distinct stages of fear:
- Anticipatory anxiety, which begins days, weeks, or even months before the flight.
- Flight anxiety, which occurs during the actual flight itself.
As the travel date approaches, the anxiety tends to grow stronger. For some, it peaks in the form of panic attacks while on board. During such episodes, symptoms may include a racing heartbeat, shortness of breath, sweating, dizziness, nausea, or a sense of impending doom. Some individuals experience gastrointestinal distress or tingling sensations in their arms and legs.
Because of this intense fear, even minor turbulence or normal aircraft sounds are often interpreted as signs of danger. Passengers may focus on the reactions of the flight crew and misread ordinary behavior as a warning of a potential crash. This negative thinking dominates the mind and reinforces the fear cycle.
When Does Fear Become a Disorder?
Feeling uneasy about flying doesn’t always mean someone has a psychiatric condition. The fear becomes clinically significant when it leads to avoidance behaviors — such as cancelling trips, relying on alcohol or sedatives before flights, or experiencing severe physical symptoms that interfere with normal life.
In psychiatry, flying phobia is categorized under specific phobias in the ICD-10 (International Classification of Diseases). Here, the anxiety is specifically linked to the act of flying, and the person usually recognizes that their fear is exaggerated but still cannot control it.
Treatment Options for Flying Phobia
When self-help strategies fail, professional support from a psychiatrist in Dubai for treatment of flying phobia can make a real difference. A comprehensive approach often combines psychotherapy with medical treatment.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) has proven particularly effective. It helps patients understand the irrational nature of their fear, identify negative thought patterns, and gradually face the triggering situation in a controlled way.
For individuals who experience panic attacks during flights, a psychiatrist may prescribe short-term medication such as benzodiazepines for emergency use. These medications quickly reduce severe anxiety but are not suitable for long-term treatment due to the risk of dependence.
For frequent travelers living in Dubai, psychiatrists often recommend a longer-term solution using antidepressants, which can stabilize anxiety over time. These medications are typically introduced gradually, and after about six to eight weeks, the fear symptoms tend to subside — allowing therapy to work more effectively.
Common Medications for Flying Phobia
Medication options vary depending on the severity and nature of the fear. Below are some of the most commonly prescribed choices:
1. SSRIs and SNRIs
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) and Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) are antidepressants that help regulate mood and reduce general anxiety, including flying phobia.
Common examples include sertraline (Zoloft), fluoxetine (Prozac), and venlafaxine (Effexor).
These medications take a few weeks to work but are ideal for long-term management of anxiety.
2. Beta-Blockers
Beta-blockers such as propranolol or atenolol help reduce the physical effects of fear — like trembling hands, a pounding heart, or sweating. They are often taken shortly before the flight to control physical symptoms without affecting alertness.
3. Benzodiazepines
Medications such as diazepam (Valium) or lorazepam (Ativan) provide fast relief from intense anxiety. They calm the nervous system and are typically used only for occasional flights due to their potential to cause dependence.
Before starting any medication, it’s important to discuss the benefits, potential side effects, and risks with a qualified psychiatrist.
Overcoming Fear and Regaining Confidence
With proper diagnosis, a tailored treatment plan, and professional guidance, even those with severe flying phobia can regain control and enjoy traveling again. Whether through gradual exposure therapy, medication, or a combination of both, working with a psychiatrist in Dubai for treatment of flying phobia offers a safe and effective path toward confident, relaxed flying.
