Hi sweetie.......arachnophobia its called........I have a terrible paralysing fear of snakes(ophidiophobia)........I am sure I will encounter a snake much less than a spider though. This is not an entirely rational fear though it is based on merit and our basic instinct to survive hence fight or flight hence anxiety or panic. Spiders can be dangerous as can snakes.......as for what made me so afraid of snakes.......I cannot say but i used to have nightmares about serpents.

As with any anxiety condition, situational exposure therapy seems the flavour of the day.......and it does work. Sorry babe, there really isn't anyhting else you can take medication wise to help you. I have included some links for you to have a read.......as for your doctor, well, its serious time. You sound terrified and he/she should take that seriously.

You will get through it.........I am at the stage of being able to look at pictures of snakes and i can watch them on tv. The thing is I am a real nature buff and environmentalist so snakes are right up there as far as beauty and amazing evolutionary design.......I can appreciate them for their place in the eco system and I am partially in awe of snakes......To experience one in real life.....well.....I would probably get bitten by falling on it in a dead faint. Its frustrating and limiting and just plain terrifying.....

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arachnophobia

http://www.counselling.cam.ac.uk/phob.html

http://www.hitl.washington.edu/projects/exposure/

Good luck babe........you will get through it.......