Driving phobia is what one might call the poor second cousin among the phobias. It is constantly outshined by more famous brethren such as arachnophobia and claustrophobia, and doesn't even have its own Latin name. However, panic attacks behind the wheel are a whole lot more deadly to the patient and others, as compared to the terror of an up-close encounter with a spider or being stuck in a lift.

Gaining some knowledge about the symptoms and causes is a good way to start dealing with this affliction. A driver who panics can be categorized into one of two groups, based on the trigger that set off the panic attack. One set is composed of people who have been involved in a prior accident, and any remotely similar situation triggers the PTSD symptoms.

There is also the general fear of not being able to control the vehicle and/or getting hurt in an accident. The main triggers for such incidents are usually stress and heavy traffic. The phobia then becomes self-fulfilling under such conditions, as the fear and loss of concentration causes the driver to lose control.

Pedestrians can be afraid to cross intersections and use sidewalks for fear of being hit by a moving vehicle. Passengers can likewise be scared of getting into a car for fear of being involved in an accident. Many people avoid vehicles simply because they are afraid of high speeds. This makes life a lot more complicated since travel of any kind is out of the question.

The symptoms for all these cases are pretty much the same. People in such situations start sweating profusely and will face uncontrollable trembling. Unsteady hands and sweaty palms combine with blurry vision caused by sweat and fear, resulting in the driver losing focus and control of the vehicle. An accelerated pulse in such a situation can easily lead to panic attacks and a catastrophic accident.

Physicians can prescribe medication to suppress many of these symptoms and prevent frequent panic attacks. But the only permanent cure for this psychological illness is therapy. The driver suffering from PTSD is an exception, and needs a combination of medication and therapy sessions. The rest of the cases can for the most part be cured using only behavioral therapy.

Some sessions with a driving expert may also be useful. It will help drivers overcome their fears and develop a better and more relaxed driving technique that is less prone to accidents and stress. A change of environment, such as giving up a job that requires a stressful daily commute through heavy traffic, can also produce quick results.

People afflicted by driving phobia must understand that it is a recognized medical condition, and can be treated just like obesity, alcoholism and other diseases. It doesn't help to ignore or hide the symptoms, because family members and friends can offer a great support system for dealing with this condition. The best way to get past it and lead a normal life is to acknowledge the existence of the phobia and seek medical treatment.