Driving Anxiety Treatment
Driving anxiety (also known as amaxophobia), is an intense fear or anxiety related to operating or riding in a vehicle. This condition can range from mild uneasiness to a complete inability to drive, even on familiar or short routes. For patients recovering from after a car accident, driving anxiety can become a major barrier to returning to everyday life and independence.
What causes Driving Anxiety?
Driving anxiety is most commonly triggered by traumatic experiences such as a serious car accident, near-miss incidents, or witnessing road trauma. It can also develop after injuries from MVAs that affect a patient’s confidence, physical function, or sense of safety. In some cases, underlying generalized anxiety disorders or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may contribute to or intensify the fear of driving.
Symptoms of Driving Anxiety
Driving anxiety can present with a combination of the following symptoms:
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Behavioural symptoms: Avoidance of driving, taking longer alternate routes, needing a companion in the car, refusal to drive in certain conditions (highways, night driving, etc.).
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Physical symptoms: Rapid heartbeat, sweating, muscle tension, shortness of breath, nausea, dizziness.
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Psychological symptoms: Persistent fear, intrusive thoughts about accidents, panic attacks, overwhelming sense of danger.
How is Driving Anxiety treated?
Driving anxiety is a treatable condition, and several effective approaches are available to help patients regain confidence and comfort behind the wheel:
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Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): Helps patients identify and reframe negative thought patterns associated with driving.
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Exposure Therapy: Gradual, guided exposure to driving scenarios helps desensitize the fear response.
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Trauma-Informed Counseling: Addresses underlying PTSD or emotional trauma contributing to the anxiety.
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Relaxation and Breathing Techniques: Teaches coping strategies to manage symptoms in real-time while driving.
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Occupational Therapy with Driving Rehabilitation Specialists: Offers practical, structured reintroduction to driving in a controlled and supportive environment.