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• #1 Specific phobias – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic

  https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/specific-phobias/symptoms-causes/syc-20355156

  Specific phobias are an extreme fear of objects or situations that pose little or no danger but make you highly anxious. So you try to stay away from these things. Unlike the brief anxiety you may feel when giving a speech or taking a test, specific phobias are long-lasting. Without treatment, specific phobias tend to last a lifetime. […] Phobias can cause strong physical, mental and emotional responses. They also can affect how you act at work or school, or in social situations. […] A specific phobia involves a strong, lasting fear of a certain object or situation that’s much greater than the actual risk. There are many types of phobias. It’s common to have a specific phobia about more than one object or situation. Specific phobias also can happen along with other types of anxiety disorders.

• #2 Specific Phobia – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf

  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499923/

  Specific phobia is a common anxiety disorder. Patients with specific phobias experience anxiety and panic attacks along with unreasonable fear of exposure or anticipated exposure to a phobic stimulus. The anxiety response goes beyond normal apprehension and leads to avoidance behavior. The intensity of the fear is often disproportionate to the actual danger posed by the phobic stimulus. […] Specific phobia is an anxiety disorder characterized by excessive and irrational fear of a particular object, situation, or activity. The anxiety response goes beyond normal apprehension and leads to avoidance behavior. The intensity of the fear is often disproportionate to the actual danger posed by the phobic stimulus. Common examples of specific phobias include fear of heights (acrophobia), fear of spiders (arachnophobia), fear of flying (aviophobia), and fear of needles (trypanophobia). People with specific phobias may experience intense anxiety or panic attacks when exposed to the feared object or situation.

• #3 Specific phobias – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic

  https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/specific-phobias/symptoms-causes/syc-20355156

  Specific phobias are an extreme fear of objects or situations that pose little or no danger but make you highly anxious. So you try to stay away from these things. Unlike the brief anxiety you may feel when giving a speech or taking a test, specific phobias are long-lasting. Without treatment, specific phobias tend to last a lifetime. […] Phobias can cause strong physical, mental and emotional responses. They also can affect how you act at work or school, or in social situations. […] A specific phobia involves a strong, lasting fear of a certain object or situation that’s much greater than the actual risk. There are many types of phobias. It’s common to have a specific phobia about more than one object or situation. Specific phobias also can happen along with other types of anxiety disorders.

• #4 Specific phobias | Beacon Health System

  https://www.beaconhealthsystem.org/library/diseases-and-conditions/specific-phobias?content_id=CON-20228093

  Specific phobias are an extreme fear of objects or situations that pose little or no danger but make you highly anxious. So you try to stay away from these things. Unlike the brief anxiety you may feel when giving a speech or taking a test, specific phobias are long-lasting. Without treatment, specific phobias tend to last a lifetime. […] A specific phobia involves a strong, lasting fear of a certain object or situation that’s much greater than the actual risk. […] No matter what specific phobia you have, you may: Feel intense fear, anxiety and panic right away when exposed to or even thinking about what causes your fear. Know that your fears are not reasonable or not as big as you think they are, but you cannot control them. Have anxiety that gets worse as the situation or object gets closer to you physically or in time. Do everything possible to stay away from an object or situation or face it with extreme anxiety or fear. Have trouble with daily activities because of your fear. Have physical reactions and feelings, including sweating, rapid heartbeat, tight chest or trouble breathing. Feel like throwing up, or you get dizzy or faint, especially around blood or injuries.

• #5 Specific Phobia – PsychDB

  https://www.psychdb.com/anxiety/phobia

  Specific Phobia is an anxiety disorder characterized by intense fear or anxiety in the presence of a particular situation or object (phobic stimulus). The four major types of fear are animals, environments, medical procedures, and situations (e.g. – elevators, planes, enclosed spaces). […] Specific phobia can often develop following a traumatic event (e.g. – being bitten than an animal), observing others going through a traumatic event (e.g. – watching someone drown) […] Most individuals however, are unable to recall a specific trigger for their phobia. […] The majority of cases of specific phobia prior to age 10. […] Phobias that develop in childhood and adolescence tend to wax and wane, but if they persist into adulthood, it is rare for them to remit. […] Depending on the phobic stimulus, it can have a varied impact on the individual: e.g. – fear of falling leading to individual staying at home

• #6 Specific Phobia Symptoms: The Mental and Physical Effects of Phobias

  https://psychcentral.com/anxiety/specific-phobia-symptoms

  A specific phobia is an intense fear of an object or situation. Phobias involve symptoms of both anxiety and avoidance. […] The symptoms of specific phobias usually first appear in childhood, with an average onset of 7 years old. […] According to the latest edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders (DSM-5), the symptoms associated with specific phobias fear, anxiety, and avoidance persist for 6 months or more. Without treatment, they can persist for years or decades. […] Your symptoms may range from mild to severe. How often they arise depends partly on how often you encounter the feared object or situation. Even if encounters are rare, the anticipation of this event can provoke an anxious response. […] As with other anxiety disorders, the symptoms of specific phobias can be both physical and psychological.

• #7 Pulsenotes | Specific phobia

  https://app.pulsenotes.com/specialities/psychiatry/notes/specific-phobia

  In phobias, the fear response is excessive, irrational, and can have debilitating consequences for the individual. […] Specific phobias usually begin in childhood and can persist throughout an individual’s life. […] The phobic object or situation is actively avoided or else endured with intense fear or anxiety. […] The fear, anxiety, or avoidance behaviours are persistent, lasting for 6 months. […] The fear or anxiety is disproportionate to the actual threat posed by the phobic object or situation. […] The individual may have had a previous direct negative experience with the phobic object that led to the development of excessive fear. […] By gradually exposing themselves to more stressful situations, using relaxation techniques and tolerating the anxiety, the fear response should reduce over time.

• #8 Phobias: Specific Phobias Types and Symptoms

  https://www.webmd.com/anxiety-panic/specific-phobias

  Specific phobias in adults generally start suddenly and are more lasting than childhood phobias. Only about 20% of specific phobias in adults go away on their own (without treatment). […] The doctor bases their diagnosis of specific phobias on reported symptoms, including any problems with functioning caused by the symptoms. A specific phobia is diagnosed if the person’s fear and anxiety are particularly distressing or if they interfere with their daily routine, including school, work, social activities, and relationships. […] For most people, specific phobias can be successfully treated with therapy, medication, or a combination of both.

• #9 Phobias: Specific Phobias Types and Symptoms

  https://www.webmd.com/anxiety-panic/specific-phobias

  Specific phobias in adults generally start suddenly and are more lasting than childhood phobias. Only about 20% of specific phobias in adults go away on their own (without treatment). […] The doctor bases their diagnosis of specific phobias on reported symptoms, including any problems with functioning caused by the symptoms. A specific phobia is diagnosed if the person’s fear and anxiety are particularly distressing or if they interfere with their daily routine, including school, work, social activities, and relationships. […] For most people, specific phobias can be successfully treated with therapy, medication, or a combination of both.

• #10 Specific Phobias – Psychiatric Disorders – Merck Manual Professional Edition

  https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/psychiatric-disorders/anxiety-and-stressor-related-disorders/specific-phobias

  Specific phobias consist of persistent, unreasonable, intense fears (phobias) of specific situations, circumstances, or objects. The fears provoke anxiety and avoidance. […] A specific phobia is fear of and anxiety about a particular situation or object to a degree that is out of proportion to the actual danger or risk. The situation or object is usually avoided when possible, but if exposure occurs, anxiety quickly develops. The anxiety may intensify to the level of a panic attack. People with specific phobias typically recognize that their fear is unreasonable and excessive. […] Patients with specific phobia develop marked fear or anxiety in response to a specific object or situation, which can then be accompanied by avoidance. […] To meet diagnostic criteria in the DSM-5-TR for a specific phobia, patients must have marked, persistent (6 months) fear of or anxiety about a specific situation or object. In addition, patients have all of the following: The situation or object nearly always triggers immediate fear or anxiety. Patients actively avoid the situation or object. The fear or anxiety is out of proportion to the actual danger (taking into account sociocultural norms). The fear, anxiety, and/or avoidance cause significant distress or significantly impair social or occupational functioning.

• #11 Table 3.11, DSM-IV to DSM-5 Specific Phobia Comparison – Impact of the DSM-IV to DSM-5 Changes on the National Survey on Drug Use and Health – NCBI Bookshelf

  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519704/table/ch3.t11/

  Marked and persistent fear that is excessive or unreasonable, cued by the presence or anticipation of a specific object or situation (e.g., flying, heights, animals, receiving an injection, seeing blood). […] The phobic object or situation almost always provokes immediate fear or anxiety. […] The fear or anxiety is out of proportion to the actual danger posed by the specific object or situation and to the sociocultural context. […] The phobic situation(s) is avoided or else is endured with intense anxiety or distress. […] The avoidance, anxious anticipation, or distress in the feared situation(s) interferes significantly with the persons normal routine, occupational (or academic) functioning, or social activities or relationships, or there is marked distress about having the phobia. […] The fear, anxiety, or avoidance causes clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning. […] The fear, anxiety, or avoidance is persistent, typically lasting for 6 months or more.

• #12 Phobias: Specific Phobias Types and Symptoms

  https://www.webmd.com/anxiety-panic/specific-phobias

  The term „phobia” refers to a group of anxiety symptoms brought on by certain objects or situations. A specific phobia, formerly called a simple phobia, is a lasting and unreasonable fear caused by the presence or thought of a specific object or situation that usually poses little or no actual danger. Exposure to the object or situation brings about an immediate reaction, causing the person to endure intense anxiety (nervousness) or to avoid the object or situation entirely. The distress associated with the phobia and/or the need to avoid the object or situation can significantly interfere with the person’s ability to function. Adults with a specific phobia recognize that the fear is excessive or unreasonable, yet are unable to overcome it. […] Symptoms of specific phobias may include: Excessive or irrational fear of a specific object or situation, Avoiding the object or situation or enduring it with great distress, Physical symptoms of anxiety or a panic attack, such as a pounding heart, nausea or diarrhea, sweating, trembling or shaking, numbness or tingling, problems with breathing (shortness of breath), feeling dizzy or lightheaded, feeling like you are choking, Anticipatory anxiety, which involves becoming nervous ahead of time about being in certain situations or coming into contact with the object of your phobia; for example, a person with a fear of dogs may become anxious about going for a walk because they may see a dog along the way.

• #13 Phobias: What They Are, Causes, Symptoms & Treatments

  https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24757-phobias

  Specific phobia and agoraphobia have the same possible symptoms but can happen in different ways or settings. Phobias can cause you to experience physical, mental and behavioral symptoms when you’re exposed to the feared object or situation and/or when thinking about it. […] Mental symptoms are effects that impact how you think and feel. They include: Intense or overwhelming fear. Panic or feeling the need to escape. Feeling like you’re in immediate danger. Feelings of disconnection from your own body (depersonalization) or the world around you (derealization). […] Physical symptoms are effects that directly affect your body. They include: Heart rate and activity changes. Sweating, feeling hot or chills. Shaking or trembling. Nausea, upset stomach or stomachache. Tightness or pain in your chest. Trouble breathing or feeling smothered. Feeling dizzy or lightheaded. Fainting. Pallor (blood rushing out of your face). Narrowed vision (also known as tunnel vision).

• #14 Phobias: Symptoms, types, causes, and treatment

  https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/249347

  A person is likely to experience feelings of panic and intense anxiety when exposed to the object of their phobia. The physical effects of these sensations can include sweating, abnormal breathing, accelerated heartbeat, trembling, hot flushes or chills, a choking sensation, chest pains or tightness, butterflies in the stomach, pins and needles, dry mouth, confusion and disorientation, nausea, dizziness, headache. […] These usually develop before the age of 4 to 8 years. In some cases, it may be the result of a traumatic early experience. One example would be claustrophobia developing over time after a younger child has an unpleasant experience in a confined space. […] Phobias that start during childhood can also be caused by witnessing the phobia of a family member. A child whose mother has arachnophobia, for example, is much more likely to develop the same phobia. […] Most phobias can be cured with appropriate treatment. There is no single treatment that works for every person with a phobia. Treatment needs to be tailored to the individual for it to work.

• #15 Phobias: What They Are, Causes, Symptoms & Treatments

  https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24757-phobias

  Specific phobia and agoraphobia have the same possible symptoms but can happen in different ways or settings. Phobias can cause you to experience physical, mental and behavioral symptoms when you’re exposed to the feared object or situation and/or when thinking about it. […] Mental symptoms are effects that impact how you think and feel. They include: Intense or overwhelming fear. Panic or feeling the need to escape. Feeling like you’re in immediate danger. Feelings of disconnection from your own body (depersonalization) or the world around you (derealization). […] Physical symptoms are effects that directly affect your body. They include: Heart rate and activity changes. Sweating, feeling hot or chills. Shaking or trembling. Nausea, upset stomach or stomachache. Tightness or pain in your chest. Trouble breathing or feeling smothered. Feeling dizzy or lightheaded. Fainting. Pallor (blood rushing out of your face). Narrowed vision (also known as tunnel vision).

• #16 Specific Phobia Symptoms: The Mental and Physical Effects of Phobias

  https://psychcentral.com/anxiety/specific-phobia-symptoms

  In people with a phobia, seeing or thinking about a feared object or situation activates the body’s defense system, known as the fight-or-flight response. […] Common physical symptoms related to specific phobias include: heart palpitations, sweating, shaking, chills or hot flushes, shortness of breath or feeling smothered, chest pain or discomfort, feeling nauseated, dizziness, feeling lightheaded, fainting. […] Psychological symptoms of specific phobias include: a feeling of imminent danger or doom, feeling the need to escape, intense discomfort, a fear of losing control, a sense of things being unreal, known as depersonalization. […] The avoidance and anxious anticipation of the feared situation can lead to significant distress about having the phobia in the first place. […] Having a specific phobia can predict the development of other anxiety, mood, or substance use disorders. That said, specific phobias are treatable, and early treatment may reduce the risk of other mental health conditions.

• #17 Specific phobias – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic

  https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/specific-phobias/symptoms-causes/syc-20355156

  No matter what specific phobia you have, you may: Feel intense fear, anxiety and panic right away when exposed to or even thinking about what causes your fear. Know that your fears are not reasonable or not as big as you think they are, but you cannot control them. Have anxiety that gets worse as the situation or object gets closer to you physically or in time. Do everything possible to stay away from an object or situation or face it with extreme anxiety or fear. Have trouble with daily activities because of your fear. Have physical reactions and feelings, including sweating, rapid heartbeat, tight chest or trouble breathing. Feel like throwing up, or you get dizzy or faint, especially around blood or injuries. […] An extreme fear can make life hard for example, taking long flights of stairs instead of an elevator. But it is not a specific phobia unless it seriously disrupts your life. If anxiety negatively affects the way you act at work or school, or in social situations, talk with your doctor or another health care professional, or a mental health professional.

• #18 Phobias: Specific Phobias Types and Symptoms

  https://www.webmd.com/anxiety-panic/specific-phobias

  The term „phobia” refers to a group of anxiety symptoms brought on by certain objects or situations. A specific phobia, formerly called a simple phobia, is a lasting and unreasonable fear caused by the presence or thought of a specific object or situation that usually poses little or no actual danger. Exposure to the object or situation brings about an immediate reaction, causing the person to endure intense anxiety (nervousness) or to avoid the object or situation entirely. The distress associated with the phobia and/or the need to avoid the object or situation can significantly interfere with the person’s ability to function. Adults with a specific phobia recognize that the fear is excessive or unreasonable, yet are unable to overcome it. […] Symptoms of specific phobias may include: Excessive or irrational fear of a specific object or situation, Avoiding the object or situation or enduring it with great distress, Physical symptoms of anxiety or a panic attack, such as a pounding heart, nausea or diarrhea, sweating, trembling or shaking, numbness or tingling, problems with breathing (shortness of breath), feeling dizzy or lightheaded, feeling like you are choking, Anticipatory anxiety, which involves becoming nervous ahead of time about being in certain situations or coming into contact with the object of your phobia; for example, a person with a fear of dogs may become anxious about going for a walk because they may see a dog along the way.

• #19 Phobias: What They Are, Causes, Symptoms & Treatments

  https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24757-phobias

  Specific phobia and agoraphobia have the same possible symptoms but can happen in different ways or settings. Phobias can cause you to experience physical, mental and behavioral symptoms when you’re exposed to the feared object or situation and/or when thinking about it. […] Mental symptoms are effects that impact how you think and feel. They include: Intense or overwhelming fear. Panic or feeling the need to escape. Feeling like you’re in immediate danger. Feelings of disconnection from your own body (depersonalization) or the world around you (derealization). […] Physical symptoms are effects that directly affect your body. They include: Heart rate and activity changes. Sweating, feeling hot or chills. Shaking or trembling. Nausea, upset stomach or stomachache. Tightness or pain in your chest. Trouble breathing or feeling smothered. Feeling dizzy or lightheaded. Fainting. Pallor (blood rushing out of your face). Narrowed vision (also known as tunnel vision).

• #20 Specific Phobias: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

  https://agapebehavioral.com/treatment-overview/anxiety/specific-phobias/

  People with specific phobias experience irrational, intense fear of a particular trigger. […] People typically develop specific phobias between four and eight years old. Researchers think phobias can develop as the result of a traumatic experience during early childhood. […] People with phobias experience symptoms that may interfere with functioning and daily life activities. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), common symptoms people with phobias experience include: Knowing that the fear they experience is irrational but being unable to control their fear response. […] People may experience anxiety symptoms when phobias trigger their fear response. These symptoms include: Trembling, Elevated heart rate, A sensation of pins and needles, Dry mouth, Tightness or pain in the chest, Abnormal breathing, A feeling of choking or tightness in the throat, Hot flushes, Chills, Confusion, Dizziness, Headache, Nausea, Sweating. […] People may experience some of these symptoms just by thinking of the source of their phobia. These symptoms can cause people to restructure their lives to avoid the source of their fear.

• #21 Phobias: What They Are, Causes, Symptoms & Treatments

  https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24757-phobias

  Specific phobia and agoraphobia have the same possible symptoms but can happen in different ways or settings. Phobias can cause you to experience physical, mental and behavioral symptoms when you’re exposed to the feared object or situation and/or when thinking about it. […] Mental symptoms are effects that impact how you think and feel. They include: Intense or overwhelming fear. Panic or feeling the need to escape. Feeling like you’re in immediate danger. Feelings of disconnection from your own body (depersonalization) or the world around you (derealization). […] Physical symptoms are effects that directly affect your body. They include: Heart rate and activity changes. Sweating, feeling hot or chills. Shaking or trembling. Nausea, upset stomach or stomachache. Tightness or pain in your chest. Trouble breathing or feeling smothered. Feeling dizzy or lightheaded. Fainting. Pallor (blood rushing out of your face). Narrowed vision (also known as tunnel vision).

• #22 Phobias: Causes, Types, Treatment, Symptoms & More

  https://www.healthline.com/health/phobia-simple-specific

  The most common and disabling symptom of a phobia is a panic attack. Features of a panic attack include: pounding or racing heart, shortness of breath, rapid speech or inability to speak, dry mouth, upset stomach, nausea, elevated blood pressure, trembling or shaking, chest pain or tightness, a choking sensation, dizziness or lightheadedness, profuse sweating, a sense of impending doom. […] A person with a phobia doesn’t have to have panic attacks for accurate diagnosis, however.

• #23 Specific phobias – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic

  https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/specific-phobias/symptoms-causes/syc-20355156

  No matter what specific phobia you have, you may: Feel intense fear, anxiety and panic right away when exposed to or even thinking about what causes your fear. Know that your fears are not reasonable or not as big as you think they are, but you cannot control them. Have anxiety that gets worse as the situation or object gets closer to you physically or in time. Do everything possible to stay away from an object or situation or face it with extreme anxiety or fear. Have trouble with daily activities because of your fear. Have physical reactions and feelings, including sweating, rapid heartbeat, tight chest or trouble breathing. Feel like throwing up, or you get dizzy or faint, especially around blood or injuries. […] An extreme fear can make life hard for example, taking long flights of stairs instead of an elevator. But it is not a specific phobia unless it seriously disrupts your life. If anxiety negatively affects the way you act at work or school, or in social situations, talk with your doctor or another health care professional, or a mental health professional.

• #24 Specific phobias | Beacon Health System

  https://www.beaconhealthsystem.org/library/diseases-and-conditions/specific-phobias?content_id=CON-20228093

  Specific phobias are an extreme fear of objects or situations that pose little or no danger but make you highly anxious. So you try to stay away from these things. Unlike the brief anxiety you may feel when giving a speech or taking a test, specific phobias are long-lasting. Without treatment, specific phobias tend to last a lifetime. […] A specific phobia involves a strong, lasting fear of a certain object or situation that’s much greater than the actual risk. […] No matter what specific phobia you have, you may: Feel intense fear, anxiety and panic right away when exposed to or even thinking about what causes your fear. Know that your fears are not reasonable or not as big as you think they are, but you cannot control them. Have anxiety that gets worse as the situation or object gets closer to you physically or in time. Do everything possible to stay away from an object or situation or face it with extreme anxiety or fear. Have trouble with daily activities because of your fear. Have physical reactions and feelings, including sweating, rapid heartbeat, tight chest or trouble breathing. Feel like throwing up, or you get dizzy or faint, especially around blood or injuries.

• #25 Phobias: What They Are, Causes, Symptoms & Treatments

  https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24757-phobias

  Specific phobia and agoraphobia have the same possible symptoms but can happen in different ways or settings. Phobias can cause you to experience physical, mental and behavioral symptoms when you’re exposed to the feared object or situation and/or when thinking about it. […] Mental symptoms are effects that impact how you think and feel. They include: Intense or overwhelming fear. Panic or feeling the need to escape. Feeling like you’re in immediate danger. Feelings of disconnection from your own body (depersonalization) or the world around you (derealization). […] Physical symptoms are effects that directly affect your body. They include: Heart rate and activity changes. Sweating, feeling hot or chills. Shaking or trembling. Nausea, upset stomach or stomachache. Tightness or pain in your chest. Trouble breathing or feeling smothered. Feeling dizzy or lightheaded. Fainting. Pallor (blood rushing out of your face). Narrowed vision (also known as tunnel vision).

• #26 List of Phobias | Charlie Health

  https://www.charliehealth.com/post/list-of-phobias-common-fears-and-symptoms

  A phobia is an overwhelming, persistent, and irrational fear of a specific object, situation, or activity. Phobias are the most common type of anxiety disorder, according to the American Psychiatric Association. If you have a phobia, you might go to great lengths to avoid feared situations or objects—or you might endure it with significant distress and anxiety. […] It’s important to remember that regular fears and phobias aren’t the same thing. If you have a phobia, you might experience significant emotional distress, discomfort, and panic when exposed to a fear object or situation. People with phobias often have panic attacks, which can occur suddenly and without warning when exposed to a phobia trigger. […] While anxiety disorders affect everyone differently, many people with phobias experience an intense combination of physical symptoms. Some typical symptoms of phobias include: Chest pain or tightness, Choking sensation, Nausea, Uncontrollable sweating or trembling, Rapid heartbeat, Sweating, Hot or cold flashes, Dry mouth, Dizziness or lightheadedness.

• #27 Phobias: Causes, Types, Treatment, Symptoms & More

  https://www.healthline.com/health/phobia-simple-specific

  The most common and disabling symptom of a phobia is a panic attack. Features of a panic attack include: pounding or racing heart, shortness of breath, rapid speech or inability to speak, dry mouth, upset stomach, nausea, elevated blood pressure, trembling or shaking, chest pain or tightness, a choking sensation, dizziness or lightheadedness, profuse sweating, a sense of impending doom. […] A person with a phobia doesn’t have to have panic attacks for accurate diagnosis, however.

• #28 Specific phobias – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic

  https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/specific-phobias/symptoms-causes/syc-20355156

  No matter what specific phobia you have, you may: Feel intense fear, anxiety and panic right away when exposed to or even thinking about what causes your fear. Know that your fears are not reasonable or not as big as you think they are, but you cannot control them. Have anxiety that gets worse as the situation or object gets closer to you physically or in time. Do everything possible to stay away from an object or situation or face it with extreme anxiety or fear. Have trouble with daily activities because of your fear. Have physical reactions and feelings, including sweating, rapid heartbeat, tight chest or trouble breathing. Feel like throwing up, or you get dizzy or faint, especially around blood or injuries. […] An extreme fear can make life hard for example, taking long flights of stairs instead of an elevator. But it is not a specific phobia unless it seriously disrupts your life. If anxiety negatively affects the way you act at work or school, or in social situations, talk with your doctor or another health care professional, or a mental health professional.

• #29 Phobias: What They Are, Causes, Symptoms & Treatments

  https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24757-phobias

  Specific phobia and agoraphobia have the same possible symptoms but can happen in different ways or settings. Phobias can cause you to experience physical, mental and behavioral symptoms when you’re exposed to the feared object or situation and/or when thinking about it. […] Mental symptoms are effects that impact how you think and feel. They include: Intense or overwhelming fear. Panic or feeling the need to escape. Feeling like you’re in immediate danger. Feelings of disconnection from your own body (depersonalization) or the world around you (derealization). […] Physical symptoms are effects that directly affect your body. They include: Heart rate and activity changes. Sweating, feeling hot or chills. Shaking or trembling. Nausea, upset stomach or stomachache. Tightness or pain in your chest. Trouble breathing or feeling smothered. Feeling dizzy or lightheaded. Fainting. Pallor (blood rushing out of your face). Narrowed vision (also known as tunnel vision).

• #30 Specific Phobia Symptoms: The Mental and Physical Effects of Phobias

  https://psychcentral.com/anxiety/specific-phobia-symptoms

  In people with a phobia, seeing or thinking about a feared object or situation activates the body’s defense system, known as the fight-or-flight response. […] Common physical symptoms related to specific phobias include: heart palpitations, sweating, shaking, chills or hot flushes, shortness of breath or feeling smothered, chest pain or discomfort, feeling nauseated, dizziness, feeling lightheaded, fainting. […] Psychological symptoms of specific phobias include: a feeling of imminent danger or doom, feeling the need to escape, intense discomfort, a fear of losing control, a sense of things being unreal, known as depersonalization. […] The avoidance and anxious anticipation of the feared situation can lead to significant distress about having the phobia in the first place. […] Having a specific phobia can predict the development of other anxiety, mood, or substance use disorders. That said, specific phobias are treatable, and early treatment may reduce the risk of other mental health conditions.

• #31 List of Phobias | Charlie Health

  https://www.charliehealth.com/post/list-of-phobias-common-fears-and-symptoms

  A phobia is an overwhelming, persistent, and irrational fear of a specific object, situation, or activity. Phobias are the most common type of anxiety disorder, according to the American Psychiatric Association. If you have a phobia, you might go to great lengths to avoid feared situations or objects—or you might endure it with significant distress and anxiety. […] It’s important to remember that regular fears and phobias aren’t the same thing. If you have a phobia, you might experience significant emotional distress, discomfort, and panic when exposed to a fear object or situation. People with phobias often have panic attacks, which can occur suddenly and without warning when exposed to a phobia trigger. […] While anxiety disorders affect everyone differently, many people with phobias experience an intense combination of physical symptoms. Some typical symptoms of phobias include: Chest pain or tightness, Choking sensation, Nausea, Uncontrollable sweating or trembling, Rapid heartbeat, Sweating, Hot or cold flashes, Dry mouth, Dizziness or lightheadedness.

• #32 Phobias: Symptoms, diagnosis and treatment CUN

  https://www.cun.es/en/diseases-treatments/diseases/phobias

  A phobia is a fear of situations or things that are not dangerous and that most people do not find disturbing. […] The severe anxiety that appears in front of a situation to which patient has phobia is manifested by: […] Physical symptoms: sweating, abnormal breathing, accelerated heartbeat, tremors, chills, chest pain, dry mouth, dizziness, headache, etc. […] Psychological symptoms: distorted thoughts regarding the situation or stimulus. […] Behavioral symptoms: avoidance of the situation or feared stimulus. […] Most phobias start in childhood, adolescence or early adulthood. They can be caused by a stressful situation, a traumatic event or they can also be imitated by a family member who has a phobia and a child ends up making it his or her own. […] When a person faces the feared stimulus (animals, heights, exams, social meetings, etc.) a severe anxiety appears that manifests itself with physical and psychic symptoms.

• #33 Specific Phobia – PsychDB

  https://www.psychdb.com/anxiety/phobia

  e.g. – fear of choking leading to individual reducing food and dietary intake. […] The impact of specific phobias worsen with an increasing number of phobias present. […] Individuals with certain specific phobia (situational, natural environment, and animal specific phobias) usually experience an increase in sympathetic nervous system arousal in anticipation of or during exposure to a phobic object or situation. […] However, individuals with blood-injection-injury specific phobias often demonstrate a vasovagal fainting or near-fainting response. There may be an initial brief acceleration of heart rate and elevation of blood pressure followed by a quick deceleration of heart rate and a drop in blood pressure.

• #34 Specific Phobia – Causes, Symptoms and Treatment Considerations | PACS

  https://panicandanxiety.org/specific-phobia/

  Regarding functional impairment, this subtype is actually quite concerning, as individuals will often avoid seeking medical assistance and choose not to attend medical appointments. […] Unlike other subtypes, individuals with a blood injection injury phobia often experience a vasovagal response, which can result in fainting at the sight of blood, as well as in anticipation of physical injury or injection.

• #35 Overview – Phobias – NHS

  https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/phobias/overview/

  A phobia is a type of anxiety disorder. You may not experience any symptoms until you come into contact with the source of your phobia. […] But in some cases, even thinking about the source of a phobia can make a person feel anxious or panicky. This is known as anticipatory anxiety. […] Symptoms may include: unsteadiness, dizziness and lightheadedness, nausea, sweating, increased heart rate or palpitations, shortness of breath, trembling or shaking, an upset stomach. […] If you do not come into contact with the source of your phobia very often, it may not affect your everyday life. […] But if you have a complex phobia, such as agoraphobia, leading a normal life may be very difficult. […] Specific or simple phobias centre around a particular object, animal, situation or activity. […] They often develop during childhood or adolescence and may become less severe as you get older.

• #36 Specific phobias | Beacon Health System

  https://www.beaconhealthsystem.org/library/diseases-and-conditions/specific-phobias?content_id=CON-20228093

  Specific phobias are an extreme fear of objects or situations that pose little or no danger but make you highly anxious. So you try to stay away from these things. Unlike the brief anxiety you may feel when giving a speech or taking a test, specific phobias are long-lasting. Without treatment, specific phobias tend to last a lifetime. […] A specific phobia involves a strong, lasting fear of a certain object or situation that’s much greater than the actual risk. […] No matter what specific phobia you have, you may: Feel intense fear, anxiety and panic right away when exposed to or even thinking about what causes your fear. Know that your fears are not reasonable or not as big as you think they are, but you cannot control them. Have anxiety that gets worse as the situation or object gets closer to you physically or in time. Do everything possible to stay away from an object or situation or face it with extreme anxiety or fear. Have trouble with daily activities because of your fear. Have physical reactions and feelings, including sweating, rapid heartbeat, tight chest or trouble breathing. Feel like throwing up, or you get dizzy or faint, especially around blood or injuries.

• #37 Specific Phobias: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments | SELF

  https://www.self.com/story/understanding-specific-phobias

  Specific phobias are an overwhelming and unreasonable fear of objects or situations that pose little real danger but provoke anxiety and avoidance. […] Unlike the brief anxiety you may feel when giving a speech or taking a test, specific phobias are long lasting, cause intense physical and psychological reactions, and can affect your ability to function normally at work, at school, or in social settings. […] A specific phobia involves an intense, persistent fear of a specific object or situation that’s out of proportion to the actual risk. […] Specific phobias can also occur along with other types of anxiety disorders. […] No matter what specific phobia you have, it’s likely to produce these types of reactions: An immediate feeling of intense fear, anxiety, and panic when exposed to or even thinking about the source of your fear.

• #38 Specific phobias | Beacon Health System

  https://www.beaconhealthsystem.org/library/diseases-and-conditions/specific-phobias?content_id=CON-20228093

  Specific phobias are an extreme fear of objects or situations that pose little or no danger but make you highly anxious. So you try to stay away from these things. Unlike the brief anxiety you may feel when giving a speech or taking a test, specific phobias are long-lasting. Without treatment, specific phobias tend to last a lifetime. […] A specific phobia involves a strong, lasting fear of a certain object or situation that’s much greater than the actual risk. […] No matter what specific phobia you have, you may: Feel intense fear, anxiety and panic right away when exposed to or even thinking about what causes your fear. Know that your fears are not reasonable or not as big as you think they are, but you cannot control them. Have anxiety that gets worse as the situation or object gets closer to you physically or in time. Do everything possible to stay away from an object or situation or face it with extreme anxiety or fear. Have trouble with daily activities because of your fear. Have physical reactions and feelings, including sweating, rapid heartbeat, tight chest or trouble breathing. Feel like throwing up, or you get dizzy or faint, especially around blood or injuries.

• #39 Specific Phobias: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments | SELF

  https://www.self.com/story/understanding-specific-phobias

  Awareness that your fears are unreasonable or exaggerated but feeling powerless to control them. […] Worsening anxiety as the situation or object gets closer to you in time or physical proximity. […] Doing everything possible to avoid the object or situation or enduring it with intense anxiety or fear. […] Difficulty functioning normally because of your fear. […] Physical reactions and sensations, including sweating, rapid heartbeat, tight chest, or difficulty breathing. […] Feeling nauseated, dizzy, or fainting around blood or injuries. […] In children, possibly tantrums, clinging, crying, or refusing to leave a parent’s side or approach their fear. […] If anxiety negatively affects functioning in work, school, or social situations, talk with your doctor or a mental health professional.

• #40 Phobias: Specific Phobias Types and Symptoms

  https://www.webmd.com/anxiety-panic/specific-phobias

  The term „phobia” refers to a group of anxiety symptoms brought on by certain objects or situations. A specific phobia, formerly called a simple phobia, is a lasting and unreasonable fear caused by the presence or thought of a specific object or situation that usually poses little or no actual danger. Exposure to the object or situation brings about an immediate reaction, causing the person to endure intense anxiety (nervousness) or to avoid the object or situation entirely. The distress associated with the phobia and/or the need to avoid the object or situation can significantly interfere with the person’s ability to function. Adults with a specific phobia recognize that the fear is excessive or unreasonable, yet are unable to overcome it. […] Symptoms of specific phobias may include: Excessive or irrational fear of a specific object or situation, Avoiding the object or situation or enduring it with great distress, Physical symptoms of anxiety or a panic attack, such as a pounding heart, nausea or diarrhea, sweating, trembling or shaking, numbness or tingling, problems with breathing (shortness of breath), feeling dizzy or lightheaded, feeling like you are choking, Anticipatory anxiety, which involves becoming nervous ahead of time about being in certain situations or coming into contact with the object of your phobia; for example, a person with a fear of dogs may become anxious about going for a walk because they may see a dog along the way.

• #41 Overview – Phobias – NHS

  https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/phobias/overview/

  A phobia is a type of anxiety disorder. You may not experience any symptoms until you come into contact with the source of your phobia. […] But in some cases, even thinking about the source of a phobia can make a person feel anxious or panicky. This is known as anticipatory anxiety. […] Symptoms may include: unsteadiness, dizziness and lightheadedness, nausea, sweating, increased heart rate or palpitations, shortness of breath, trembling or shaking, an upset stomach. […] If you do not come into contact with the source of your phobia very often, it may not affect your everyday life. […] But if you have a complex phobia, such as agoraphobia, leading a normal life may be very difficult. […] Specific or simple phobias centre around a particular object, animal, situation or activity. […] They often develop during childhood or adolescence and may become less severe as you get older.

• #42 Phobias: What They Are, Causes, Symptoms & Treatments

  https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24757-phobias

  Specific phobia and agoraphobia have the same possible symptoms but can happen in different ways or settings. Phobias can cause you to experience physical, mental and behavioral symptoms when you’re exposed to the feared object or situation and/or when thinking about it. […] Mental symptoms are effects that impact how you think and feel. They include: Intense or overwhelming fear. Panic or feeling the need to escape. Feeling like you’re in immediate danger. Feelings of disconnection from your own body (depersonalization) or the world around you (derealization). […] Physical symptoms are effects that directly affect your body. They include: Heart rate and activity changes. Sweating, feeling hot or chills. Shaking or trembling. Nausea, upset stomach or stomachache. Tightness or pain in your chest. Trouble breathing or feeling smothered. Feeling dizzy or lightheaded. Fainting. Pallor (blood rushing out of your face). Narrowed vision (also known as tunnel vision).

• #43 List of Phobias | Charlie Health

  https://www.charliehealth.com/post/list-of-phobias-common-fears-and-symptoms

  In addition to these physical symptoms, many people experience the following psychological symptoms of anxiety: An impending sense of doom, Feeling like you’re “losing control”, Feeling intensely uncomfortable around the fear object/situation, Feelings of unreality or feeling disconnected from the world. […] To avoid these feelings, many people with phobias avoid situations where they might encounter the source of fear. For example, if you have agoraphobia, you might have extreme anxiety having to enter new places for the first time.

• #44 Specific Phobia Symptoms: The Mental and Physical Effects of Phobias

  https://psychcentral.com/anxiety/specific-phobia-symptoms

  In people with a phobia, seeing or thinking about a feared object or situation activates the body’s defense system, known as the fight-or-flight response. […] Common physical symptoms related to specific phobias include: heart palpitations, sweating, shaking, chills or hot flushes, shortness of breath or feeling smothered, chest pain or discomfort, feeling nauseated, dizziness, feeling lightheaded, fainting. […] Psychological symptoms of specific phobias include: a feeling of imminent danger or doom, feeling the need to escape, intense discomfort, a fear of losing control, a sense of things being unreal, known as depersonalization. […] The avoidance and anxious anticipation of the feared situation can lead to significant distress about having the phobia in the first place. […] Having a specific phobia can predict the development of other anxiety, mood, or substance use disorders. That said, specific phobias are treatable, and early treatment may reduce the risk of other mental health conditions.

• #45 Let’s Talk Facts About Phobia – Department of Mental Health

  https://dmh.lacounty.gov/our-services/employment-education/education/phobia/

  Phobias are emotional and physical reactions to feared objects or situations. Symptoms of a phobia include the following: […] Feelings of panic, dread, horror or terror […] Recognition that the fear goes beyond normal boundaries and the actual threat of danger […] Reactions that are automatic and uncontrollable, practically taking over the person’s thoughts […] Rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, trembling and an overwhelming desire to flee the situation — all the physical reactions associated with extreme fear […] Extreme measures taken to avoid the feared object or situation. […] Most simple phobias develop during childhood and eventually disappear. Those that persist into adulthood rarely go away without treatment.

• #46 Phobias: What They Are, Causes, Symptoms & Treatments

  https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24757-phobias

  Specific phobia and agoraphobia have the same possible symptoms but can happen in different ways or settings. Phobias can cause you to experience physical, mental and behavioral symptoms when you’re exposed to the feared object or situation and/or when thinking about it. […] Mental symptoms are effects that impact how you think and feel. They include: Intense or overwhelming fear. Panic or feeling the need to escape. Feeling like you’re in immediate danger. Feelings of disconnection from your own body (depersonalization) or the world around you (derealization). […] Physical symptoms are effects that directly affect your body. They include: Heart rate and activity changes. Sweating, feeling hot or chills. Shaking or trembling. Nausea, upset stomach or stomachache. Tightness or pain in your chest. Trouble breathing or feeling smothered. Feeling dizzy or lightheaded. Fainting. Pallor (blood rushing out of your face). Narrowed vision (also known as tunnel vision).

• #47 List of Phobias | Charlie Health

  https://www.charliehealth.com/post/list-of-phobias-common-fears-and-symptoms

  In addition to these physical symptoms, many people experience the following psychological symptoms of anxiety: An impending sense of doom, Feeling like you’re “losing control”, Feeling intensely uncomfortable around the fear object/situation, Feelings of unreality or feeling disconnected from the world. […] To avoid these feelings, many people with phobias avoid situations where they might encounter the source of fear. For example, if you have agoraphobia, you might have extreme anxiety having to enter new places for the first time.

• #48 Phobias – Center for Youth Mental Health | NewYork-Presbyterian

  https://www.nyp.org/youthmentalhealth/anxiety-and-related-conditions/specific-phobia

  Someone with a phobia may experience a range of symptomspsychological, physical, and behavioralwhen confronted with or thinking about their fear. Symptoms can include: […] Extreme anxiety or panic […] Physical reactions to a trigger/fear, such as a racing heart, nausea, trouble breathing, sweating, shaking, dizziness, or feeling lightheaded […] Taking measures to avoid your fear, even if it interferes with day-to-day life or activities you enjoy […] Feeling like you need to escape or get away […] Feeling disconnected from your body (depersonalization) or surroundings (derealization) […] A sensation of tunnel vision […] Crying and tantrums (more common in young children with phobias) […] Phobias, especially when severe, can make daily life challenging and even lead to other physical, mental, and social problems. Phobias may increase the risk of issues such as:

• #49 Specific Phobias | CAMH

  https://www.camh.ca/en/health-info/mental-illness-and-addiction-index/phobias

  Fears are common, especially in childhood. However, when these fears are intense and irrational, they may be diagnosed as specific phobias. Specific phobias are a type of anxiety disorder. […] If a person has a phobia, their fear or anxiety is beyond the usual reaction to an object or situation. Phobias impact people’s lives: people may adapt their lifestyles to avoid the phobia, or they may endure the phobia with intense feelings of anxiety. […] Cognitive signs include thoughts such as: „This plane will crash.” […] Physical signs and symptoms include: sweating, muscle tension, dizziness. […] Behavioural signs and symptoms include: avoiding the feared object or situation, feeling a need to escape the feared object or situation.

• #50 Specific Phobia – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf

  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499923/

  The presentation of specific phobia is variable. The chief complaint may be related to anxiety or impaired functioning in their social responsibilities due to symptoms of their illness. The chief complaint will likely be related to significant fear or anxiety in the presence of a specific situation or object, known as the phobic stimulus. It is essential to investigate if there is a single phobic stimulus or multiple. The anxiety reaction to the phobic stimulus must be greater than the expected reaction for the general population. In presence of the phobic stimuli, the anxiety must be severe, and it can produce panic attacks in certain cases. Anticipation of exposure to phobic stimuli may also induce anxiety. The anxiety reaction is anticipated to evoke nearly every time there is exposure to the phobic stimulus. Children may express fear or anxiety by crying, tantrums, freezing, or clinging.

• #51 Phobias in Children | Cedars-Sinai

  https://www.cedars-sinai.org/health-library/diseases-and-conditions—pediatrics/p/phobias-in-children.html

  A phobia is an excessive fear of a certain object or situation. Its a fear that lasts for at least 6 months. It is a type of anxiety disorder. […] A child has anxiety when exposed to a certain object or situation. They stay away from the object or situation, dread it, or endure it with so much fear that it interferes with normal activities. […] Each child may have different symptoms when exposed to a phobia. But these are the most common: Increased heart rate, Sweating, Trembling or shaking, Shortness of breath, Feeling of choking, Chest pain or discomfort, Upset stomach, Feeling dizzy or faint, Fear of losing control or going crazy, Fear of dying, Numbness, Chills or hot flashes. […] A child who has at least four of these symptoms may be having a panic attack. These symptoms may seem like other health problems. Have your child see their healthcare provider for a diagnosis. […] Symptoms include increased heart rate, sweating, shaking, a feeling of choking, and upset stomach. […] Treatment may include therapy and medicines.

• #52 Specific Phobias in Children and Adolescents | Center for Anxiety & Related Disorders

  https://www.bu.edu/card/child-adolescent-treatment-at-card/conditions-we-treat-child/specific-phobias-child/

  Specific Phobias are characterized by intense, excessive fear of certain things or situations that has lasted for at least 6 months. […] Major symptoms include feelings of intense, excessive fear as a result of specific things or situations. […] Many adolescents describe their fear as irrational, believing that the intensity of the fear is much greater than the danger associated with the thing however, younger children may not recognize that their fear is excessive or irrational. […] Although some kids are able to interact with the feared situation or object, many avoid any contact as a way of reducing their fear and worry. […] This avoidance may cause individuals to alter their lives (e.g., taking a different route to school to avoid walking by a certain dog, avoiding going to the doctor for a long time to prevent having to get a shot), leading to disruption of family routines and activities, missing out on otherwise enjoyable events, and medical complications.

• #53 Specific Phobia – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf

  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499923/

  In specific phobia, the individual actively avoids the phobic stimulus, and this is termed active avoidance. Examples of active avoidance include taking a longer driving route to avoid a bridge, avoiding grass and gardens due to concern for spiders or insects, and refusing to visit a doctor due to fear of needles or medical procedures. Some active avoidance may be obvious, but certain behaviors are subtle, such as refusing to look at certain movies or books that may potentially have a phobic stimulus. Active avoidance may impact regular functioning, including social relationships and occupational responsibilities. […] Patients who are able to complete a course of cognitive behavioral therapy (exposure therapy) have a promising prognosis, but it is improved when there is maintenance therapy to ensure remission of symptoms.

• #54 Specific phobia – Wikipedia

  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Specific_phobia

  Fear, discomfort or anxiety may be triggered both by the presence and the anticipation of the specific object or situation. The main behavioral sign of a specific phobia is avoidance. The fear or anxiety associated with specific phobia can also manifest in physical symptoms such as an increased heart rate, shortness of breath, muscle tension, sweating, or a desire to escape the situation. […] The majority of those that develop a specific phobia first experience symptoms in childhood. Often individuals will experience symptoms periodically with periods of remission before complete remission occurs. However, specific phobias that continue into adulthood are likely to experience a more chronic course. Specific phobias in older adults has been linked with a decrease in quality of life. […] Response to treatment is relatively high but many do not seek treatment due to lack of access, ability to avoid phobia, or unwilling to face feared object for repeated CBT sessions.

• #55 Table 3.11, DSM-IV to DSM-5 Specific Phobia Comparison – Impact of the DSM-IV to DSM-5 Changes on the National Survey on Drug Use and Health – NCBI Bookshelf

  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519704/table/ch3.t11/

  Marked and persistent fear that is excessive or unreasonable, cued by the presence or anticipation of a specific object or situation (e.g., flying, heights, animals, receiving an injection, seeing blood). […] The phobic object or situation almost always provokes immediate fear or anxiety. […] The fear or anxiety is out of proportion to the actual danger posed by the specific object or situation and to the sociocultural context. […] The phobic situation(s) is avoided or else is endured with intense anxiety or distress. […] The avoidance, anxious anticipation, or distress in the feared situation(s) interferes significantly with the persons normal routine, occupational (or academic) functioning, or social activities or relationships, or there is marked distress about having the phobia. […] The fear, anxiety, or avoidance causes clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning. […] The fear, anxiety, or avoidance is persistent, typically lasting for 6 months or more.

• #56 Specific phobias | Beacon Health System

  https://www.beaconhealthsystem.org/library/diseases-and-conditions/specific-phobias?content_id=CON-20228093

  Specific phobias are an extreme fear of objects or situations that pose little or no danger but make you highly anxious. So you try to stay away from these things. Unlike the brief anxiety you may feel when giving a speech or taking a test, specific phobias are long-lasting. Without treatment, specific phobias tend to last a lifetime. […] A specific phobia involves a strong, lasting fear of a certain object or situation that’s much greater than the actual risk. […] No matter what specific phobia you have, you may: Feel intense fear, anxiety and panic right away when exposed to or even thinking about what causes your fear. Know that your fears are not reasonable or not as big as you think they are, but you cannot control them. Have anxiety that gets worse as the situation or object gets closer to you physically or in time. Do everything possible to stay away from an object or situation or face it with extreme anxiety or fear. Have trouble with daily activities because of your fear. Have physical reactions and feelings, including sweating, rapid heartbeat, tight chest or trouble breathing. Feel like throwing up, or you get dizzy or faint, especially around blood or injuries.

• #57 Specific Phobia – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf

  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499923/

  In specific phobia, the individual actively avoids the phobic stimulus, and this is termed active avoidance. Examples of active avoidance include taking a longer driving route to avoid a bridge, avoiding grass and gardens due to concern for spiders or insects, and refusing to visit a doctor due to fear of needles or medical procedures. Some active avoidance may be obvious, but certain behaviors are subtle, such as refusing to look at certain movies or books that may potentially have a phobic stimulus. Active avoidance may impact regular functioning, including social relationships and occupational responsibilities. […] Patients who are able to complete a course of cognitive behavioral therapy (exposure therapy) have a promising prognosis, but it is improved when there is maintenance therapy to ensure remission of symptoms.

• #58 Phobias: What They Are, Causes, Symptoms & Treatments

  https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24757-phobias

  Behavioral symptoms are ways you change (or don’t change) your lifestyle, routine or habits. They include: Going out of your way to avoid triggers. Example: Avoiding regular medical or dental care because you’re afraid of needles, dentists, etc. Deliberately changing your life to avoid triggers. Example: Moving out of a coastal area because of a fear of hurricanes. Avoiding life changes especially positive ones so you don’t encounter triggers. Example: Avoiding buying a house or taking a job somewhere with a view of a river, lake or ocean because of a fear of water, swimming or drowning. […] Over time, untreated phobias can cause some people to limit their lives severely. […] Over time, specific phobia can fade. However, this is less likely to happen without treatment. Phobias that start in childhood may fade quickly. But childhood phobias that last into adulthood can last for years or even decades. […] The outlook for specific phobia is best with treatment, especially early on. Without treatment, these conditions can greatly impact your mental health and how you live your life.

• #59 Specific Phobia DSM-5 300.29 (ICD-10-CM Multiple Codes)

  https://www.theravive.com/therapedia/specific-phobia-dsm–5-300.29-(icd–10–cm-multiple-codes)

  People with phobias will usually go out of their way to avoid the phobic stimulus – for someone with agoraphobia, they may stick to a set route every day to avoid the object of their fear, while an individual with a fear of heights may avoid specific excursions or activities so as not to experience the perceived threat. […] In time, and with the right treatment, most people can expect to make significant progress in managing or overcoming specific phobia.

• #60 Specific Phobia – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf

  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499923/

  In specific phobia, the individual actively avoids the phobic stimulus, and this is termed active avoidance. Examples of active avoidance include taking a longer driving route to avoid a bridge, avoiding grass and gardens due to concern for spiders or insects, and refusing to visit a doctor due to fear of needles or medical procedures. Some active avoidance may be obvious, but certain behaviors are subtle, such as refusing to look at certain movies or books that may potentially have a phobic stimulus. Active avoidance may impact regular functioning, including social relationships and occupational responsibilities. […] Patients who are able to complete a course of cognitive behavioral therapy (exposure therapy) have a promising prognosis, but it is improved when there is maintenance therapy to ensure remission of symptoms.

• #61 Phobias: What They Are, Causes, Symptoms & Treatments

  https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24757-phobias

  Behavioral symptoms are ways you change (or don’t change) your lifestyle, routine or habits. They include: Going out of your way to avoid triggers. Example: Avoiding regular medical or dental care because you’re afraid of needles, dentists, etc. Deliberately changing your life to avoid triggers. Example: Moving out of a coastal area because of a fear of hurricanes. Avoiding life changes especially positive ones so you don’t encounter triggers. Example: Avoiding buying a house or taking a job somewhere with a view of a river, lake or ocean because of a fear of water, swimming or drowning. […] Over time, untreated phobias can cause some people to limit their lives severely. […] Over time, specific phobia can fade. However, this is less likely to happen without treatment. Phobias that start in childhood may fade quickly. But childhood phobias that last into adulthood can last for years or even decades. […] The outlook for specific phobia is best with treatment, especially early on. Without treatment, these conditions can greatly impact your mental health and how you live your life.

• #62 Specific Phobia – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf

  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499923/

  In specific phobia, the individual actively avoids the phobic stimulus, and this is termed active avoidance. Examples of active avoidance include taking a longer driving route to avoid a bridge, avoiding grass and gardens due to concern for spiders or insects, and refusing to visit a doctor due to fear of needles or medical procedures. Some active avoidance may be obvious, but certain behaviors are subtle, such as refusing to look at certain movies or books that may potentially have a phobic stimulus. Active avoidance may impact regular functioning, including social relationships and occupational responsibilities. […] Patients who are able to complete a course of cognitive behavioral therapy (exposure therapy) have a promising prognosis, but it is improved when there is maintenance therapy to ensure remission of symptoms.

• #63 Specific Phobia – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf

  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499923/

  Uncontrolled specific phobia increases the risk of other comorbid psychiatric illnesses, specifically depression. Specific phobias can have significant impairment to social and occupational functioning, which can worsen psychological stress. Anxiety disorders are a risk factor for suicidality, even after controlling for co-occurring mental health disorders and life stress.

• #64 Table 3.11, DSM-IV to DSM-5 Specific Phobia Comparison – Impact of the DSM-IV to DSM-5 Changes on the National Survey on Drug Use and Health – NCBI Bookshelf

  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519704/table/ch3.t11/

  Marked and persistent fear that is excessive or unreasonable, cued by the presence or anticipation of a specific object or situation (e.g., flying, heights, animals, receiving an injection, seeing blood). […] The phobic object or situation almost always provokes immediate fear or anxiety. […] The fear or anxiety is out of proportion to the actual danger posed by the specific object or situation and to the sociocultural context. […] The phobic situation(s) is avoided or else is endured with intense anxiety or distress. […] The avoidance, anxious anticipation, or distress in the feared situation(s) interferes significantly with the persons normal routine, occupational (or academic) functioning, or social activities or relationships, or there is marked distress about having the phobia. […] The fear, anxiety, or avoidance causes clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning. […] The fear, anxiety, or avoidance is persistent, typically lasting for 6 months or more.

• #65 Table 3.11, DSM-IV to DSM-5 Specific Phobia Comparison – Impact of the DSM-IV to DSM-5 Changes on the National Survey on Drug Use and Health – NCBI Bookshelf

  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519704/table/ch3.t11/

  Marked and persistent fear that is excessive or unreasonable, cued by the presence or anticipation of a specific object or situation (e.g., flying, heights, animals, receiving an injection, seeing blood). […] The phobic object or situation almost always provokes immediate fear or anxiety. […] The fear or anxiety is out of proportion to the actual danger posed by the specific object or situation and to the sociocultural context. […] The phobic situation(s) is avoided or else is endured with intense anxiety or distress. […] The avoidance, anxious anticipation, or distress in the feared situation(s) interferes significantly with the persons normal routine, occupational (or academic) functioning, or social activities or relationships, or there is marked distress about having the phobia. […] The fear, anxiety, or avoidance causes clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning. […] The fear, anxiety, or avoidance is persistent, typically lasting for 6 months or more.

• #66 Specific Phobia Treatment | Psych Central

  https://psychcentral.com/anxiety/specific-phobia-treatment

  Specific phobias usually center on one thing an object, a situation, or a circumstance. […] If you have a specific phobia, you probably know that your fear is not rational, but even mentioning or facing the object or situation can cause intense anxiety or even bring on a panic attack. […] According to the latest edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR), you must experience the following symptoms to receive a specific phobia diagnosis: You have a persistent fear that is excessive or unreasonable toward specific objects or situations. Exposure to the object or situation causes immediate anxiety. Your fear is greater than the actual threat. You avoid the object or situation at all costs. The phobia interferes with your daily functioning routines, relationships, work, school, etc. The phobia has been present for at least six months. The phobia is not due to another mental health disorder or medical condition.

• #67 Phobias – Center for Youth Mental Health | NewYork-Presbyterian

  https://www.nyp.org/youthmentalhealth/anxiety-and-related-conditions/specific-phobia

  Mental health conditions Anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and somatic symptom disorders are more likely in people with a specific phobia […] Relationship/social issues Someone with a phobia may look for a lot of reassurance about their specific fear, which can take a toll on their loved ones. Avoiding certain triggers and activities can also lead to social isolation and difficulty connecting with others.

• #68 Phobias Treatment | Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates

  https://rittenhousepa.com/specific-phobias/

  Individuals with Specific Phobias experience extreme fear or distress, when they encounter certain objects or situations (unique to their phobia). The severity of the distress is significantly beyond what most would find appropriate given the specific object or situation, and the impact on the person can be long-lasting. […] Specific phobias typically develop by age 10, and typically decrease over time. For example, in the US rates of specific phobias decrease to about 4% of individuals over the age of 65. […] Individuals with Specific Phobias may exhibit a range of physical and emotional symptoms, when thinking about, or exposed to, the object or situation, that causes distress. […] Symptoms of panic and anxiety are often prevalent when triggered: Racing heart, Shortness of breath, Dizziness or lightheadedness, A feeling as if one is going to pass out, Subjective feelings of anxiety, Tremor, “Tunnel Vision”, Upset stomach, Sweating/ feelings of warmth / Chills. […] Specific Phobias are also generally categorized by avoidance behaviors, which may limit personal, social, occupational and academic function. Avoidance may also severely limit personal relationships.

• #69 Specific Phobias – Psychiatric Disorders – Merck Manual Professional Edition

  https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/psychiatric-disorders/anxiety-and-stressor-related-disorders/specific-phobias

  Specific phobias consist of persistent, unreasonable, intense fears (phobias) of specific situations, circumstances, or objects. The fears provoke anxiety and avoidance. […] A specific phobia is fear of and anxiety about a particular situation or object to a degree that is out of proportion to the actual danger or risk. The situation or object is usually avoided when possible, but if exposure occurs, anxiety quickly develops. The anxiety may intensify to the level of a panic attack. People with specific phobias typically recognize that their fear is unreasonable and excessive. […] Patients with specific phobia develop marked fear or anxiety in response to a specific object or situation, which can then be accompanied by avoidance. […] To meet diagnostic criteria in the DSM-5-TR for a specific phobia, patients must have marked, persistent (6 months) fear of or anxiety about a specific situation or object. In addition, patients have all of the following: The situation or object nearly always triggers immediate fear or anxiety. Patients actively avoid the situation or object. The fear or anxiety is out of proportion to the actual danger (taking into account sociocultural norms). The fear, anxiety, and/or avoidance cause significant distress or significantly impair social or occupational functioning.

• #70 Specific Phobia – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf

  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499923/

  Uncontrolled specific phobia increases the risk of other comorbid psychiatric illnesses, specifically depression. Specific phobias can have significant impairment to social and occupational functioning, which can worsen psychological stress. Anxiety disorders are a risk factor for suicidality, even after controlling for co-occurring mental health disorders and life stress.

• #71 Specific Phobia DSM-5 Diagnostic Criteria

  https://www.verywellmind.com/diagnosing-a-specific-phobia-2671981

  The DSM-5 states that people with specific disorders also have an elevated risk for suicide. These phobias also tend to commonly occur alongside other mental health conditions including panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and substance use disorder. […] Specific phobias are common, and are often rooted in the primal, instinctual fears that many people (even those without a diagnosis of phobia) experience and understand. It is important to remember that effective treatments are available that can help relieve these fears and the symptoms they cause.

• #72 Specific phobia – Wikipedia

  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Specific_phobia

  Fear, discomfort or anxiety may be triggered both by the presence and the anticipation of the specific object or situation. The main behavioral sign of a specific phobia is avoidance. The fear or anxiety associated with specific phobia can also manifest in physical symptoms such as an increased heart rate, shortness of breath, muscle tension, sweating, or a desire to escape the situation. […] The majority of those that develop a specific phobia first experience symptoms in childhood. Often individuals will experience symptoms periodically with periods of remission before complete remission occurs. However, specific phobias that continue into adulthood are likely to experience a more chronic course. Specific phobias in older adults has been linked with a decrease in quality of life. […] Response to treatment is relatively high but many do not seek treatment due to lack of access, ability to avoid phobia, or unwilling to face feared object for repeated CBT sessions.

• #73 Phobia – Wikipedia

  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phobia

  Specific phobias affect about 68% of people in the Western world and 24% in Asia, Africa, and Latin America in a given year. […] The typical onset of a phobia is around 10-17, and rates are lower with increasing age. Those with phobias are more likely to attempt suicide. […] The majority of those that develop a specific phobia first experience symptoms in childhood. Often individuals will experience symptoms periodically with periods of remission before complete remission occurs. However, specific phobias that continue into adulthood are likely to experience a more chronic course. Specific phobias in older adults has been linked with a decrease in quality of life. Those with specific phobias are at an increased risk of suicide. Greater impairment is found in those that have multiple phobias. Response to treatment is relatively high but many do not seek treatment due to lack of access, ability to avoid phobia, or unwilling to face feared object for repeated CBT sessions.

• #74 Specific phobia – Wikipedia

  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Specific_phobia

  Fear, discomfort or anxiety may be triggered both by the presence and the anticipation of the specific object or situation. The main behavioral sign of a specific phobia is avoidance. The fear or anxiety associated with specific phobia can also manifest in physical symptoms such as an increased heart rate, shortness of breath, muscle tension, sweating, or a desire to escape the situation. […] The majority of those that develop a specific phobia first experience symptoms in childhood. Often individuals will experience symptoms periodically with periods of remission before complete remission occurs. However, specific phobias that continue into adulthood are likely to experience a more chronic course. Specific phobias in older adults has been linked with a decrease in quality of life. […] Response to treatment is relatively high but many do not seek treatment due to lack of access, ability to avoid phobia, or unwilling to face feared object for repeated CBT sessions.

• #75 Phobia – Harvard Health

  https://www.health.harvard.edu/a_to_z/phobia-a-to-z

  In children, specific phobias can be short-term problems that disappear within a few months. In adults, about 80% of new phobias become chronic (long-term) conditions that do not go away without proper treatment. […] The outlook is very good for people with specific phobia or social phobia. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, about 75% of people with specific phobias overcome their fears through cognitive-behavioral therapy, while 80% of those with social phobia find relief from medication, cognitive-behavioral therapy, or a combination.

• #76 Overview – Phobias – NHS

  https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/phobias/overview/

  A phobia is a type of anxiety disorder. You may not experience any symptoms until you come into contact with the source of your phobia. […] But in some cases, even thinking about the source of a phobia can make a person feel anxious or panicky. This is known as anticipatory anxiety. […] Symptoms may include: unsteadiness, dizziness and lightheadedness, nausea, sweating, increased heart rate or palpitations, shortness of breath, trembling or shaking, an upset stomach. […] If you do not come into contact with the source of your phobia very often, it may not affect your everyday life. […] But if you have a complex phobia, such as agoraphobia, leading a normal life may be very difficult. […] Specific or simple phobias centre around a particular object, animal, situation or activity. […] They often develop during childhood or adolescence and may become less severe as you get older.

• #77 Let’s Talk Facts About Phobia – Department of Mental Health

  https://dmh.lacounty.gov/our-services/employment-education/education/phobia/

  Phobias are emotional and physical reactions to feared objects or situations. Symptoms of a phobia include the following: […] Feelings of panic, dread, horror or terror […] Recognition that the fear goes beyond normal boundaries and the actual threat of danger […] Reactions that are automatic and uncontrollable, practically taking over the person’s thoughts […] Rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, trembling and an overwhelming desire to flee the situation — all the physical reactions associated with extreme fear […] Extreme measures taken to avoid the feared object or situation. […] Most simple phobias develop during childhood and eventually disappear. Those that persist into adulthood rarely go away without treatment.

• #78 Phobia Symptoms and Causes | Banner Health

  https://www.bannerhealth.com/services/behavioral-health/conditions/anxiety-stress/phobias

  Fear is a normal part of life. But when a fear is persistent, excessive, unreasonable and induces a lot of anxiety and distress, it is called a phobia. Many people suffer from phobias that can affect their daily life. […] Phobias are an unrealistic and overwhelming fear of objects or situations that pose little danger but provoke anxiety. Phobias are a very common type of anxiety disorder. Symptoms for phobias can range from mild annoyances to life disrupting. Unlike brief anxiety, phobias can be long-lasting and cause intense physical and physiological responses. […] Phobias that last longer tend to develop later in life, usually for people in their 20s, and can last for many years. Later-in-life phobias are less likely to go away on their own and can increase the risk of other psychiatric illnesses, such as depression, anxiety disorders or substance abuse.

• #79 Overview – Phobias – NHS

  https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/phobias/overview/

  Complex phobias tend to be more disabling than simple phobias. They usually develop during adulthood and are often associated with a deep-rooted fear or anxiety about a particular situation or circumstance. […] In severe cases, this can become debilitating and may prevent you carrying out everyday activities, such as eating out or meeting friends.

• #80 Phobia – Harvard Health

  https://www.health.harvard.edu/a_to_z/phobia-a-to-z

  In children, specific phobias can be short-term problems that disappear within a few months. In adults, about 80% of new phobias become chronic (long-term) conditions that do not go away without proper treatment. […] The outlook is very good for people with specific phobia or social phobia. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, about 75% of people with specific phobias overcome their fears through cognitive-behavioral therapy, while 80% of those with social phobia find relief from medication, cognitive-behavioral therapy, or a combination.

• #81 Specific phobia – Wikipedia

  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Specific_phobia

  Fear, discomfort or anxiety may be triggered both by the presence and the anticipation of the specific object or situation. The main behavioral sign of a specific phobia is avoidance. The fear or anxiety associated with specific phobia can also manifest in physical symptoms such as an increased heart rate, shortness of breath, muscle tension, sweating, or a desire to escape the situation. […] The majority of those that develop a specific phobia first experience symptoms in childhood. Often individuals will experience symptoms periodically with periods of remission before complete remission occurs. However, specific phobias that continue into adulthood are likely to experience a more chronic course. Specific phobias in older adults has been linked with a decrease in quality of life. […] Response to treatment is relatively high but many do not seek treatment due to lack of access, ability to avoid phobia, or unwilling to face feared object for repeated CBT sessions.

• #82 Phobia – Wikipedia

  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phobia

  Specific phobias affect about 68% of people in the Western world and 24% in Asia, Africa, and Latin America in a given year. […] The typical onset of a phobia is around 10-17, and rates are lower with increasing age. Those with phobias are more likely to attempt suicide. […] The majority of those that develop a specific phobia first experience symptoms in childhood. Often individuals will experience symptoms periodically with periods of remission before complete remission occurs. However, specific phobias that continue into adulthood are likely to experience a more chronic course. Specific phobias in older adults has been linked with a decrease in quality of life. Those with specific phobias are at an increased risk of suicide. Greater impairment is found in those that have multiple phobias. Response to treatment is relatively high but many do not seek treatment due to lack of access, ability to avoid phobia, or unwilling to face feared object for repeated CBT sessions.

• #83 Phobia: Symptoms, Causes, Types, Diagnosis And Treatment

  https://valleyspringrecovery.com/mental-health/phobia/

  When left untreated, phobias escalate in severity, leading to debilitating anxiety that disrupts daily functioning, according to an article by the NHS titled Symptoms Phobias. Individuals find themselves avoiding not only the initial fear trigger but also related activities or situations, resulting in a broader scope of phobia that includes social withdrawal or increased dependence on substance abuse to cope. This escalation hinders personal relationships and contributes to a cycle of addiction as individuals turn to drugs or alcohol to manage their anxiety.

• #84 Specific Phobia – PsychDB

  https://www.psychdb.com/anxiety/phobia

  e.g. – fear of choking leading to individual reducing food and dietary intake. […] The impact of specific phobias worsen with an increasing number of phobias present. […] Individuals with certain specific phobia (situational, natural environment, and animal specific phobias) usually experience an increase in sympathetic nervous system arousal in anticipation of or during exposure to a phobic object or situation. […] However, individuals with blood-injection-injury specific phobias often demonstrate a vasovagal fainting or near-fainting response. There may be an initial brief acceleration of heart rate and elevation of blood pressure followed by a quick deceleration of heart rate and a drop in blood pressure.

• #85 Phobia – Wikipedia

  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phobia

  A phobia is an anxiety disorder, defined by an irrational, unrealistic, persistent and excessive fear of an object or situation. Phobias typically result in a rapid onset of fear and are usually present for more than six months. Those affected go to great lengths to avoid the situation or object, to a degree greater than the actual danger posed. If the object or situation cannot be avoided, they experience significant distress. Other symptoms can include fainting, which may occur in blood or injury phobia, and panic attacks, often found in agoraphobia and emetophobia. Around 75% of those with phobias have multiple phobias. […] Specific phobias are further divided to include certain animals, natural environment, blood or injury, and particular situations. The most common are fear of spiders, fear of snakes, and fear of heights. Specific phobias may be caused by a negative experience with the object or situation in early childhood to early adulthood.

• #86 Specific Phobia – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf

  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499923/

  Uncontrolled specific phobia increases the risk of other comorbid psychiatric illnesses, specifically depression. Specific phobias can have significant impairment to social and occupational functioning, which can worsen psychological stress. Anxiety disorders are a risk factor for suicidality, even after controlling for co-occurring mental health disorders and life stress.

• #87 Phobias – Center for Youth Mental Health | NewYork-Presbyterian

  https://www.nyp.org/youthmentalhealth/anxiety-and-related-conditions/specific-phobia

  Mental health conditions Anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and somatic symptom disorders are more likely in people with a specific phobia […] Relationship/social issues Someone with a phobia may look for a lot of reassurance about their specific fear, which can take a toll on their loved ones. Avoiding certain triggers and activities can also lead to social isolation and difficulty connecting with others.

• #88 Phobia: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis And Treatment

  https://laopcenter.com/mental-health/symptoms/phobia/

  Common symptoms of phobias include physical reactions like dizziness, trembling, and an increased heart rate; emotional responses such as intense fear, anxiety, and panic attacks; and behavioral symptoms, including the avoidance of phobic triggers. […] The symptoms of phobias are multifaceted, including physical, emotional, and behavioral responses that significantly impair daily life. […] Phobias can significantly impair an individuals ability to function and participate in everyday activities, often leading to isolation and reduced quality of life. […] Phobias can cause debilitating anxiety that disrupts daily routines, leading to avoidance of situations that trigger fear. […] Phobias, if not addressed, can severely impact daily functioning and overall quality of life. […] Phobias lead to significant social withdrawal and avoidance behaviors, affecting relationships and social interactions. […] Untreated phobias also increase the risk of developing other mental health issues such as depression, generalized anxiety disorder, and substance misuse. […] Phobias are often comorbid with other anxiety and mood disorders, complicating the clinical picture and treatment.

• #89 Specific Phobia – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf

  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499923/

  Uncontrolled specific phobia increases the risk of other comorbid psychiatric illnesses, specifically depression. Specific phobias can have significant impairment to social and occupational functioning, which can worsen psychological stress. Anxiety disorders are a risk factor for suicidality, even after controlling for co-occurring mental health disorders and life stress.

• #90 Phobias – Center for Youth Mental Health | NewYork-Presbyterian

  https://www.nyp.org/youthmentalhealth/anxiety-and-related-conditions/specific-phobia

  Mental health conditions Anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and somatic symptom disorders are more likely in people with a specific phobia […] Relationship/social issues Someone with a phobia may look for a lot of reassurance about their specific fear, which can take a toll on their loved ones. Avoiding certain triggers and activities can also lead to social isolation and difficulty connecting with others.

• #91 Specific Phobia DSM-5 Diagnostic Criteria

  https://www.verywellmind.com/diagnosing-a-specific-phobia-2671981

  The DSM-5 states that people with specific disorders also have an elevated risk for suicide. These phobias also tend to commonly occur alongside other mental health conditions including panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and substance use disorder. […] Specific phobias are common, and are often rooted in the primal, instinctual fears that many people (even those without a diagnosis of phobia) experience and understand. It is important to remember that effective treatments are available that can help relieve these fears and the symptoms they cause.

• #92 Phobia: Symptoms, Causes, Types, Diagnosis And Treatment

  https://valleyspringrecovery.com/mental-health/phobia/

  When left untreated, phobias escalate in severity, leading to debilitating anxiety that disrupts daily functioning, according to an article by the NHS titled Symptoms Phobias. Individuals find themselves avoiding not only the initial fear trigger but also related activities or situations, resulting in a broader scope of phobia that includes social withdrawal or increased dependence on substance abuse to cope. This escalation hinders personal relationships and contributes to a cycle of addiction as individuals turn to drugs or alcohol to manage their anxiety.

• #93 Phobias – Center for Youth Mental Health | NewYork-Presbyterian

  https://www.nyp.org/youthmentalhealth/anxiety-and-related-conditions/specific-phobia

  Mental health conditions Anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and somatic symptom disorders are more likely in people with a specific phobia […] Relationship/social issues Someone with a phobia may look for a lot of reassurance about their specific fear, which can take a toll on their loved ones. Avoiding certain triggers and activities can also lead to social isolation and difficulty connecting with others.

• #94 Specific Phobia Symptoms: The Mental and Physical Effects of Phobias

  https://psychcentral.com/anxiety/specific-phobia-symptoms

  In people with a phobia, seeing or thinking about a feared object or situation activates the body’s defense system, known as the fight-or-flight response. […] Common physical symptoms related to specific phobias include: heart palpitations, sweating, shaking, chills or hot flushes, shortness of breath or feeling smothered, chest pain or discomfort, feeling nauseated, dizziness, feeling lightheaded, fainting. […] Psychological symptoms of specific phobias include: a feeling of imminent danger or doom, feeling the need to escape, intense discomfort, a fear of losing control, a sense of things being unreal, known as depersonalization. […] The avoidance and anxious anticipation of the feared situation can lead to significant distress about having the phobia in the first place. […] Having a specific phobia can predict the development of other anxiety, mood, or substance use disorders. That said, specific phobias are treatable, and early treatment may reduce the risk of other mental health conditions.

• #95 Phobias | Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment

  https://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/health/p/phobia

  Each child’s experience can be different. […] The symptoms of a phobia may look like other physical or mental health problems. Always consult your child’s doctor for a diagnosis. […] A child psychiatrist, psychologist or other health or mental health expert will diagnose an anxiety disorder after a full medical and psychiatric evaluation. […] Treatment for phobias will be advised for your child based on: Age, health and history, Extent of symptoms, Type of phobia, How they handle specific medicine, procedures or therapy, What is expected for the course of the condition, Your thoughts or preference. […] There is effective treatment for phobias, like there is for other anxiety disorders. Treatment should always be based on a full evaluation of the child and family. […] Early detection and intervention can: Reduce how severe the symptoms are, Enhance the child’s normal growth and development, Improve the quality of life of children and teens with anxiety disorders.

• #96 Specific Phobias – Psychiatric Disorders – Merck Manual Professional Edition

  https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/psychiatric-disorders/anxiety-and-stressor-related-disorders/specific-phobias

  The prognosis for untreated specific phobias varies because certain uncommon situations or objects (eg, snakes, caves) are easy to avoid, whereas other situations or objects (eg, bridges, thunderstorms) are common and difficult to avoid. […] The most extensively studied and most effective psychotherapy for specific phobia is exposure therapy, which aims to reverse the cycle of anxiety and avoidance.

• #97 Phobias – What is Mental Illness? – UTHealth Houston Harris County Psychiatric Center – UT Harris County Psychiatric Center – UTHealth

  https://hcpc.uth.edu/pages/wimi/phobias.htm

  Specific phobias typically are fears of particular objects or situations. The most common simple phobia is the fear of animals, like dogs, snakes, mice and insects. Other common specific phobias are fears of heights, fears of flying and fears of enclosed spaces. […] Most specific phobias develop at childhood but eventually go away on their own, like a fear of the dark. If a phobia continues into adulthood, treatment is usually the only solution. Like other phobias, specific phobias can keep people from normal lives. But the level of disability is usually determined by how often the object of the phobia appears in a victim’s life. […] People who suffer from phobias may display one or more of the following symptoms: Unrealistic or excessive worry, dread or terror involving an object or situation that is otherwise harmless; A complete and uncontrollable preoccupation with the fear and the object of the fear; Typical physical reactions to fear: racing heartbeat, sweating, shortness of breath, shaking; An overwhelming urge to flee the situation. […] People with phobias are usually aware that their fears are unwarranted, but they generally will flee from and go to great lengths to avoid the object of their fears. When these behaviors interfere with daily life, the person should seek treatment.

• #98 Phobias: What They Are, Causes, Symptoms & Treatments

  https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24757-phobias

  Behavioral symptoms are ways you change (or don’t change) your lifestyle, routine or habits. They include: Going out of your way to avoid triggers. Example: Avoiding regular medical or dental care because you’re afraid of needles, dentists, etc. Deliberately changing your life to avoid triggers. Example: Moving out of a coastal area because of a fear of hurricanes. Avoiding life changes especially positive ones so you don’t encounter triggers. Example: Avoiding buying a house or taking a job somewhere with a view of a river, lake or ocean because of a fear of water, swimming or drowning. […] Over time, untreated phobias can cause some people to limit their lives severely. […] Over time, specific phobia can fade. However, this is less likely to happen without treatment. Phobias that start in childhood may fade quickly. But childhood phobias that last into adulthood can last for years or even decades. […] The outlook for specific phobia is best with treatment, especially early on. Without treatment, these conditions can greatly impact your mental health and how you live your life.

• #99 Table 3.11, DSM-IV to DSM-5 Specific Phobia Comparison – Impact of the DSM-IV to DSM-5 Changes on the National Survey on Drug Use and Health – NCBI Bookshelf

  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519704/table/ch3.t11/

  Marked and persistent fear that is excessive or unreasonable, cued by the presence or anticipation of a specific object or situation (e.g., flying, heights, animals, receiving an injection, seeing blood). […] The phobic object or situation almost always provokes immediate fear or anxiety. […] The fear or anxiety is out of proportion to the actual danger posed by the specific object or situation and to the sociocultural context. […] The phobic situation(s) is avoided or else is endured with intense anxiety or distress. […] The avoidance, anxious anticipation, or distress in the feared situation(s) interferes significantly with the persons normal routine, occupational (or academic) functioning, or social activities or relationships, or there is marked distress about having the phobia. […] The fear, anxiety, or avoidance causes clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning. […] The fear, anxiety, or avoidance is persistent, typically lasting for 6 months or more.

• #100 Table 3.11, DSM-IV to DSM-5 Specific Phobia Comparison – Impact of the DSM-IV to DSM-5 Changes on the National Survey on Drug Use and Health – NCBI Bookshelf

  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519704/table/ch3.t11/

  Marked and persistent fear that is excessive or unreasonable, cued by the presence or anticipation of a specific object or situation (e.g., flying, heights, animals, receiving an injection, seeing blood). […] The phobic object or situation almost always provokes immediate fear or anxiety. […] The fear or anxiety is out of proportion to the actual danger posed by the specific object or situation and to the sociocultural context. […] The phobic situation(s) is avoided or else is endured with intense anxiety or distress. […] The avoidance, anxious anticipation, or distress in the feared situation(s) interferes significantly with the persons normal routine, occupational (or academic) functioning, or social activities or relationships, or there is marked distress about having the phobia. […] The fear, anxiety, or avoidance causes clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning. […] The fear, anxiety, or avoidance is persistent, typically lasting for 6 months or more.

• #101 Specific Phobias – Understanding Types of Anxiety — Gheorg

  https://www.gheorg.com/blog/specific-phobias

  Children with specific phobias usually develop their fears during childhood. […] Children with specific phobias have trouble functioning at school, at home, and socially. As a result, they may avoid certain activities, environments, or people. Unfortunately, this avoidance behaviour often leads to isolation and depression. […] Phobias can last throughout childhood and into adulthood. Therefore, early intervention is optimal for a child’s development. […] Most kids outgrow their specific phobias over time. […] However, some don’t get rid of their fears completely. Your child’s anxiety may become even more severe as a result, and this can lead to a host of problems down the road. […] If your kid has a specific phobia, they may have panic attacks. […] If your child has a specific phobia that doesn’t go away, they may develop an anxiety disorder.

• #102 Symptoms – Phobias – NHS

  https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/phobias/symptoms/

  Phobias can limit your daily activities and may cause severe anxiety and depression. Complex phobias, such as agoraphobia and social phobia, are more likely to cause these symptoms. […] People with phobias can have panic attacks. These can be very frightening and distressing. The symptoms often occur suddenly and without warning. […] In severe cases, you may also experience psychological symptoms, such as fear of losing control, fear of fainting, feelings of dread, and fear of dying. […] The symptoms experienced by people with agoraphobia can vary in severity. For example, some people can feel very apprehensive and anxious if they have to leave their home to go to the shops. Others may feel relatively comfortable travelling short distances from their home. […] Intentionally avoiding meeting people in social situations is a sign of social phobia. In extreme cases of social phobia, as with agoraphobia, some people are too afraid to leave their home. […] However, it can often take some time to overcome a complex phobia.

• #103 Overview – Phobias – NHS

  https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/phobias/overview/

  Complex phobias tend to be more disabling than simple phobias. They usually develop during adulthood and are often associated with a deep-rooted fear or anxiety about a particular situation or circumstance. […] In severe cases, this can become debilitating and may prevent you carrying out everyday activities, such as eating out or meeting friends.

• #104 Specific Phobias in Children and Adolescents | Center for Anxiety & Related Disorders

  https://www.bu.edu/card/child-adolescent-treatment-at-card/conditions-we-treat-child/specific-phobias-child/

  Specific Phobias are characterized by intense, excessive fear of certain things or situations that has lasted for at least 6 months. […] Major symptoms include feelings of intense, excessive fear as a result of specific things or situations. […] Many adolescents describe their fear as irrational, believing that the intensity of the fear is much greater than the danger associated with the thing however, younger children may not recognize that their fear is excessive or irrational. […] Although some kids are able to interact with the feared situation or object, many avoid any contact as a way of reducing their fear and worry. […] This avoidance may cause individuals to alter their lives (e.g., taking a different route to school to avoid walking by a certain dog, avoiding going to the doctor for a long time to prevent having to get a shot), leading to disruption of family routines and activities, missing out on otherwise enjoyable events, and medical complications.

• #105 Specific Phobias – Understanding Types of Anxiety — Gheorg

  https://www.gheorg.com/blog/specific-phobias

  Children with specific phobias usually develop their fears during childhood. […] Children with specific phobias have trouble functioning at school, at home, and socially. As a result, they may avoid certain activities, environments, or people. Unfortunately, this avoidance behaviour often leads to isolation and depression. […] Phobias can last throughout childhood and into adulthood. Therefore, early intervention is optimal for a child’s development. […] Most kids outgrow their specific phobias over time. […] However, some don’t get rid of their fears completely. Your child’s anxiety may become even more severe as a result, and this can lead to a host of problems down the road. […] If your kid has a specific phobia, they may have panic attacks. […] If your child has a specific phobia that doesn’t go away, they may develop an anxiety disorder.

• #106 Phobias: What They Are, Causes, Symptoms & Treatments

  https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24757-phobias

  Behavioral symptoms are ways you change (or don’t change) your lifestyle, routine or habits. They include: Going out of your way to avoid triggers. Example: Avoiding regular medical or dental care because you’re afraid of needles, dentists, etc. Deliberately changing your life to avoid triggers. Example: Moving out of a coastal area because of a fear of hurricanes. Avoiding life changes especially positive ones so you don’t encounter triggers. Example: Avoiding buying a house or taking a job somewhere with a view of a river, lake or ocean because of a fear of water, swimming or drowning. […] Over time, untreated phobias can cause some people to limit their lives severely. […] Over time, specific phobia can fade. However, this is less likely to happen without treatment. Phobias that start in childhood may fade quickly. But childhood phobias that last into adulthood can last for years or even decades. […] The outlook for specific phobia is best with treatment, especially early on. Without treatment, these conditions can greatly impact your mental health and how you live your life.

• #107 Specific Phobia – Causes, Symptoms and Treatment Considerations | PACS

  https://panicandanxiety.org/specific-phobia/

  Regarding functional impairment, this subtype is actually quite concerning, as individuals will often avoid seeking medical assistance and choose not to attend medical appointments. […] Unlike other subtypes, individuals with a blood injection injury phobia often experience a vasovagal response, which can result in fainting at the sight of blood, as well as in anticipation of physical injury or injection.

• #108 Phobias: What They Are, Causes, Symptoms & Treatments

  https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24757-phobias

  Behavioral symptoms are ways you change (or don’t change) your lifestyle, routine or habits. They include: Going out of your way to avoid triggers. Example: Avoiding regular medical or dental care because you’re afraid of needles, dentists, etc. Deliberately changing your life to avoid triggers. Example: Moving out of a coastal area because of a fear of hurricanes. Avoiding life changes especially positive ones so you don’t encounter triggers. Example: Avoiding buying a house or taking a job somewhere with a view of a river, lake or ocean because of a fear of water, swimming or drowning. […] Over time, untreated phobias can cause some people to limit their lives severely. […] Over time, specific phobia can fade. However, this is less likely to happen without treatment. Phobias that start in childhood may fade quickly. But childhood phobias that last into adulthood can last for years or even decades. […] The outlook for specific phobia is best with treatment, especially early on. Without treatment, these conditions can greatly impact your mental health and how you live your life.

• #109 Phobia: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis And Treatment

  https://laopcenter.com/mental-health/symptoms/phobia/

  Common symptoms of phobias include physical reactions like dizziness, trembling, and an increased heart rate; emotional responses such as intense fear, anxiety, and panic attacks; and behavioral symptoms, including the avoidance of phobic triggers. […] The symptoms of phobias are multifaceted, including physical, emotional, and behavioral responses that significantly impair daily life. […] Phobias can significantly impair an individuals ability to function and participate in everyday activities, often leading to isolation and reduced quality of life. […] Phobias can cause debilitating anxiety that disrupts daily routines, leading to avoidance of situations that trigger fear. […] Phobias, if not addressed, can severely impact daily functioning and overall quality of life. […] Phobias lead to significant social withdrawal and avoidance behaviors, affecting relationships and social interactions. […] Untreated phobias also increase the risk of developing other mental health issues such as depression, generalized anxiety disorder, and substance misuse. […] Phobias are often comorbid with other anxiety and mood disorders, complicating the clinical picture and treatment.

• #110 List of Phobias: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment – Grow Therapy

  https://growtherapy.com/blog/list-of-phobias/

  Some other examples of common phobias are phobic fear of dogs (cynophobia), closed spaces (claustrophobia), bridges (gephyrophobia), water (aquaphobia), or storms (astraphobia). As with all phobias, the individual experiencing the phobia will experience immediate fear if they have any contact with the object or situation. […] Agoraphobia can be a scary and isolating experience. Explaining your symptoms and feelings to family and friends may be hard. […] Phobia-related disorders create intense experiences of fear that are disproportionate to the danger level. People with phobias may worry excessively about avoiding triggering things, people, or environments. They may go to great lengths to avoid the extreme feelings of terror or panic associated with their phobia. Sometimes, this can eventually even lead to the person becoming completely housebound.

• #111 Specific Phobias – Psychiatric Disorders – Merck Manual Professional Edition

  https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/psychiatric-disorders/anxiety-and-stressor-related-disorders/specific-phobias

  The prognosis for untreated specific phobias varies because certain uncommon situations or objects (eg, snakes, caves) are easy to avoid, whereas other situations or objects (eg, bridges, thunderstorms) are common and difficult to avoid. […] The most extensively studied and most effective psychotherapy for specific phobia is exposure therapy, which aims to reverse the cycle of anxiety and avoidance.

• #112 Overview – Phobias – NHS

  https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/phobias/overview/

  A phobia is a type of anxiety disorder. You may not experience any symptoms until you come into contact with the source of your phobia. […] But in some cases, even thinking about the source of a phobia can make a person feel anxious or panicky. This is known as anticipatory anxiety. […] Symptoms may include: unsteadiness, dizziness and lightheadedness, nausea, sweating, increased heart rate or palpitations, shortness of breath, trembling or shaking, an upset stomach. […] If you do not come into contact with the source of your phobia very often, it may not affect your everyday life. […] But if you have a complex phobia, such as agoraphobia, leading a normal life may be very difficult. […] Specific or simple phobias centre around a particular object, animal, situation or activity. […] They often develop during childhood or adolescence and may become less severe as you get older.

• #113 Phobias – overview, social and specific | healthdirect

  https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/phobias-overview

  A phobia is an unreasonable fear of something, either social or specific. […] Common specific phobias can include fear of certain animals, medical procedures or situations. […] To be diagnosed as a phobia, a person’s anxiety must not match the danger posed, and it must cause distress that affects their life. […] Specific phobias are fears caused by a specific object or situation. The fear is very intense and can cause a great deal of anxiety. […] Common phobias include fears of: certain animals or insects, often snakes or spiders; certain environmental situations such as storms, heights, or water; blood, needles or medical procedures; certain situations, such as flying, driving, or being on bridges or in tunnels. […] Specific phobias often result from having a bad experience. […] To be diagnosed as a phobia, a person’s anxiety must not match the danger posed by the threat. It also must cause distress that affects their life.

• #114 Types, Symptoms, and Treatment of Phobias | Psychlinks Forum — Archive Only (2004-2022)

  https://forum.psychlinks.ca/threads/types-symptoms-and-treatment-of-phobias.74/

  There are five recognized categories: o Fear of animals or insects; o Fear of the natural environment (such as water); o Panic because of blood or injection; o Panic about a specific situation; o Specific fears such as choking after eating certain foods, fears of loud sounds or fears of clowns. The most common: fears of spiders, snakes and heights.

• #115 Specific Phobia – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf

  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499923/

  Specific phobia is a common anxiety disorder. Patients with specific phobias experience anxiety and panic attacks along with unreasonable fear of exposure or anticipated exposure to a phobic stimulus. The anxiety response goes beyond normal apprehension and leads to avoidance behavior. The intensity of the fear is often disproportionate to the actual danger posed by the phobic stimulus. […] Specific phobia is an anxiety disorder characterized by excessive and irrational fear of a particular object, situation, or activity. The anxiety response goes beyond normal apprehension and leads to avoidance behavior. The intensity of the fear is often disproportionate to the actual danger posed by the phobic stimulus. Common examples of specific phobias include fear of heights (acrophobia), fear of spiders (arachnophobia), fear of flying (aviophobia), and fear of needles (trypanophobia). People with specific phobias may experience intense anxiety or panic attacks when exposed to the feared object or situation.

• #116 Phobias – overview, social and specific | healthdirect

  https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/phobias-overview

  A phobia is an unreasonable fear of something, either social or specific. […] Common specific phobias can include fear of certain animals, medical procedures or situations. […] To be diagnosed as a phobia, a person’s anxiety must not match the danger posed, and it must cause distress that affects their life. […] Specific phobias are fears caused by a specific object or situation. The fear is very intense and can cause a great deal of anxiety. […] Common phobias include fears of: certain animals or insects, often snakes or spiders; certain environmental situations such as storms, heights, or water; blood, needles or medical procedures; certain situations, such as flying, driving, or being on bridges or in tunnels. […] Specific phobias often result from having a bad experience. […] To be diagnosed as a phobia, a person’s anxiety must not match the danger posed by the threat. It also must cause distress that affects their life.

• #117 Phobias: Symptoms, types, causes, and treatment

  https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/249347

  A person is likely to experience feelings of panic and intense anxiety when exposed to the object of their phobia. The physical effects of these sensations can include sweating, abnormal breathing, accelerated heartbeat, trembling, hot flushes or chills, a choking sensation, chest pains or tightness, butterflies in the stomach, pins and needles, dry mouth, confusion and disorientation, nausea, dizziness, headache. […] These usually develop before the age of 4 to 8 years. In some cases, it may be the result of a traumatic early experience. One example would be claustrophobia developing over time after a younger child has an unpleasant experience in a confined space. […] Phobias that start during childhood can also be caused by witnessing the phobia of a family member. A child whose mother has arachnophobia, for example, is much more likely to develop the same phobia. […] Most phobias can be cured with appropriate treatment. There is no single treatment that works for every person with a phobia. Treatment needs to be tailored to the individual for it to work.

• #118 Phobias: Symptoms, types, causes, and treatment

  https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/249347

  A person is likely to experience feelings of panic and intense anxiety when exposed to the object of their phobia. The physical effects of these sensations can include sweating, abnormal breathing, accelerated heartbeat, trembling, hot flushes or chills, a choking sensation, chest pains or tightness, butterflies in the stomach, pins and needles, dry mouth, confusion and disorientation, nausea, dizziness, headache. […] These usually develop before the age of 4 to 8 years. In some cases, it may be the result of a traumatic early experience. One example would be claustrophobia developing over time after a younger child has an unpleasant experience in a confined space. […] Phobias that start during childhood can also be caused by witnessing the phobia of a family member. A child whose mother has arachnophobia, for example, is much more likely to develop the same phobia. […] Most phobias can be cured with appropriate treatment. There is no single treatment that works for every person with a phobia. Treatment needs to be tailored to the individual for it to work.

• #119 Specific Phobia – Definition, Symptoms, and Causes

  https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/specific-phobias

  A specific phobia is an irrational fear of a particular object or situation that poses little or no actual danger. People suffering from a specific phobia feel the need to avoid the trigger in a way that may affect the person’s everyday actions. […] Symptoms of specific phobia tend to produce the same symptoms and behaviors: A sudden sense of intense anxiety, panic, and nervousness when encountering the source or sometimes even just by thinking about it. A feeling of powerlessness even if it is evident that the reactions are unreasonable or exaggerated. Difficulty acting, working, or functioning normally due to the fear. Physical reactions such as sweating, shortness of breath, accelerated heartbeat, and tight chest. Feeling dizzy, fainting, or getting nauseated, especially in the case of a fear of blood or injury. Worsening anxiety if the event, situation, or object gets closer in time or physical proximity. Children might throw tantrums, cling to a parent, cry, or refuse to leave a parent’s side. An awareness that the fear is unreasonable and simultaneously that the reaction is uncontrollable.

• #120 Specific Phobia – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf

  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499923/

  In specific phobia, the individual actively avoids the phobic stimulus, and this is termed active avoidance. Examples of active avoidance include taking a longer driving route to avoid a bridge, avoiding grass and gardens due to concern for spiders or insects, and refusing to visit a doctor due to fear of needles or medical procedures. Some active avoidance may be obvious, but certain behaviors are subtle, such as refusing to look at certain movies or books that may potentially have a phobic stimulus. Active avoidance may impact regular functioning, including social relationships and occupational responsibilities. […] Patients who are able to complete a course of cognitive behavioral therapy (exposure therapy) have a promising prognosis, but it is improved when there is maintenance therapy to ensure remission of symptoms.

• #121 Phobias – overview, social and specific | healthdirect

  https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/phobias-overview

  A phobia is an unreasonable fear of something, either social or specific. […] Common specific phobias can include fear of certain animals, medical procedures or situations. […] To be diagnosed as a phobia, a person’s anxiety must not match the danger posed, and it must cause distress that affects their life. […] Specific phobias are fears caused by a specific object or situation. The fear is very intense and can cause a great deal of anxiety. […] Common phobias include fears of: certain animals or insects, often snakes or spiders; certain environmental situations such as storms, heights, or water; blood, needles or medical procedures; certain situations, such as flying, driving, or being on bridges or in tunnels. […] Specific phobias often result from having a bad experience. […] To be diagnosed as a phobia, a person’s anxiety must not match the danger posed by the threat. It also must cause distress that affects their life.

• #122 Specific Phobias – Anxieties.com

  https://anxieties.com/self-help-resources/specific-phobias/

  Most people have met someone with a significant fear of a particular object or situation, such as closed spaces (claustrophobia), heights (acrophobia), water (aquaphobia), snakes (ophidiphobia), or lightning (astraphobia). When a person has a persistent, irrational fear of an object or situation and a strong urge to avoid that object or situation, they have a “specific phobia” — an inappropriately intense reaction triggered by a single stimulus. […] The person with a specific phobia may react with mild anxiety or even with panic when confronted with the prospect of facing the fearful situation. However, his fear is not of his symptoms (as in panic disorder or agoraphobia) but of the situation itself, which he believes to be a dangerous one. […] Specific phobias may develop rapidly, such as after a traumatic event, or gradually over the years, as in childhood learning and the examples set by parents and others.

• #123 Specific Phobia Symptoms: The Mental and Physical Effects of Phobias

  https://psychcentral.com/anxiety/specific-phobia-symptoms

  In people with a phobia, seeing or thinking about a feared object or situation activates the body’s defense system, known as the fight-or-flight response. […] Common physical symptoms related to specific phobias include: heart palpitations, sweating, shaking, chills or hot flushes, shortness of breath or feeling smothered, chest pain or discomfort, feeling nauseated, dizziness, feeling lightheaded, fainting. […] Psychological symptoms of specific phobias include: a feeling of imminent danger or doom, feeling the need to escape, intense discomfort, a fear of losing control, a sense of things being unreal, known as depersonalization. […] The avoidance and anxious anticipation of the feared situation can lead to significant distress about having the phobia in the first place. […] Having a specific phobia can predict the development of other anxiety, mood, or substance use disorders. That said, specific phobias are treatable, and early treatment may reduce the risk of other mental health conditions.

• #124 Specific Phobia DSM-5 300.29 (ICD-10-CM Multiple Codes)

  https://www.theravive.com/therapedia/specific-phobia-dsm–5-300.29-(icd–10–cm-multiple-codes)

  People with phobias will usually go out of their way to avoid the phobic stimulus – for someone with agoraphobia, they may stick to a set route every day to avoid the object of their fear, while an individual with a fear of heights may avoid specific excursions or activities so as not to experience the perceived threat. […] In time, and with the right treatment, most people can expect to make significant progress in managing or overcoming specific phobia.

• #125 Phobias: What They Are, Causes, Symptoms & Treatments

  https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24757-phobias

  Behavioral symptoms are ways you change (or don’t change) your lifestyle, routine or habits. They include: Going out of your way to avoid triggers. Example: Avoiding regular medical or dental care because you’re afraid of needles, dentists, etc. Deliberately changing your life to avoid triggers. Example: Moving out of a coastal area because of a fear of hurricanes. Avoiding life changes especially positive ones so you don’t encounter triggers. Example: Avoiding buying a house or taking a job somewhere with a view of a river, lake or ocean because of a fear of water, swimming or drowning. […] Over time, untreated phobias can cause some people to limit their lives severely. […] Over time, specific phobia can fade. However, this is less likely to happen without treatment. Phobias that start in childhood may fade quickly. But childhood phobias that last into adulthood can last for years or even decades. […] The outlook for specific phobia is best with treatment, especially early on. Without treatment, these conditions can greatly impact your mental health and how you live your life.

• #126 Specific phobia in adults: Epidemiology, clinical manifestations, course, and diagnosis – UpToDate

  https://www.uptodate.com/contents/specific-phobia-in-adults-epidemiology-clinical-manifestations-course-and-diagnosis

  Specific phobia is an anxiety disorder characterized by clinically significant fear of a particular object or situation that typically leads to avoidance behavior. Phobic fears include animals, insects, heights, water, enclosed places, driving, flying, seeing blood, getting an injection, and choking or vomiting. […] The phobic anxiety may be triggered by anticipation of the stimulus, actual exposure to the stimulus, and even hearing the stimulus name spoken aloud (eg, hearing the word spider for an individual with spider phobia). The focus of fear may include disgust, danger of harm, and/or the experience of physical symptoms in the phobic situation. […] This topic describes the epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, course, and diagnosis of specific phobia in adults.

• #127 Specific Phobia – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf

  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499923/

  Specific phobia is a common anxiety disorder. Patients with specific phobias experience anxiety and panic attacks along with unreasonable fear of exposure or anticipated exposure to a phobic stimulus. The anxiety response goes beyond normal apprehension and leads to avoidance behavior. The intensity of the fear is often disproportionate to the actual danger posed by the phobic stimulus. […] Specific phobia is an anxiety disorder characterized by excessive and irrational fear of a particular object, situation, or activity. The anxiety response goes beyond normal apprehension and leads to avoidance behavior. The intensity of the fear is often disproportionate to the actual danger posed by the phobic stimulus. Common examples of specific phobias include fear of heights (acrophobia), fear of spiders (arachnophobia), fear of flying (aviophobia), and fear of needles (trypanophobia). People with specific phobias may experience intense anxiety or panic attacks when exposed to the feared object or situation.

• #128 Phobias – overview, social and specific | healthdirect

  https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/phobias-overview

  A phobia is an unreasonable fear of something, either social or specific. […] Common specific phobias can include fear of certain animals, medical procedures or situations. […] To be diagnosed as a phobia, a person’s anxiety must not match the danger posed, and it must cause distress that affects their life. […] Specific phobias are fears caused by a specific object or situation. The fear is very intense and can cause a great deal of anxiety. […] Common phobias include fears of: certain animals or insects, often snakes or spiders; certain environmental situations such as storms, heights, or water; blood, needles or medical procedures; certain situations, such as flying, driving, or being on bridges or in tunnels. […] Specific phobias often result from having a bad experience. […] To be diagnosed as a phobia, a person’s anxiety must not match the danger posed by the threat. It also must cause distress that affects their life.

• #129 Specific Phobia – PsychDB

  https://www.psychdb.com/anxiety/phobia

  e.g. – fear of choking leading to individual reducing food and dietary intake. […] The impact of specific phobias worsen with an increasing number of phobias present. […] Individuals with certain specific phobia (situational, natural environment, and animal specific phobias) usually experience an increase in sympathetic nervous system arousal in anticipation of or during exposure to a phobic object or situation. […] However, individuals with blood-injection-injury specific phobias often demonstrate a vasovagal fainting or near-fainting response. There may be an initial brief acceleration of heart rate and elevation of blood pressure followed by a quick deceleration of heart rate and a drop in blood pressure.

• #130 Specific phobias – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic

  https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/specific-phobias/symptoms-causes/syc-20355156

  No matter what specific phobia you have, you may: Feel intense fear, anxiety and panic right away when exposed to or even thinking about what causes your fear. Know that your fears are not reasonable or not as big as you think they are, but you cannot control them. Have anxiety that gets worse as the situation or object gets closer to you physically or in time. Do everything possible to stay away from an object or situation or face it with extreme anxiety or fear. Have trouble with daily activities because of your fear. Have physical reactions and feelings, including sweating, rapid heartbeat, tight chest or trouble breathing. Feel like throwing up, or you get dizzy or faint, especially around blood or injuries. […] An extreme fear can make life hard for example, taking long flights of stairs instead of an elevator. But it is not a specific phobia unless it seriously disrupts your life. If anxiety negatively affects the way you act at work or school, or in social situations, talk with your doctor or another health care professional, or a mental health professional.

• #131 Specific Phobia – Causes, Symptoms and Treatment Considerations | PACS

  https://panicandanxiety.org/specific-phobia/

  Regarding functional impairment, this subtype is actually quite concerning, as individuals will often avoid seeking medical assistance and choose not to attend medical appointments. […] Unlike other subtypes, individuals with a blood injection injury phobia often experience a vasovagal response, which can result in fainting at the sight of blood, as well as in anticipation of physical injury or injection.

• #132 Specific Phobia – Causes, Symptoms and Treatment Considerations | PACS

  https://panicandanxiety.org/specific-phobia/

  Regarding functional impairment, this subtype is actually quite concerning, as individuals will often avoid seeking medical assistance and choose not to attend medical appointments. […] Unlike other subtypes, individuals with a blood injection injury phobia often experience a vasovagal response, which can result in fainting at the sight of blood, as well as in anticipation of physical injury or injection.

• #133 Phobias: What They Are, Causes, Symptoms & Treatments

  https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24757-phobias

  Behavioral symptoms are ways you change (or don’t change) your lifestyle, routine or habits. They include: Going out of your way to avoid triggers. Example: Avoiding regular medical or dental care because you’re afraid of needles, dentists, etc. Deliberately changing your life to avoid triggers. Example: Moving out of a coastal area because of a fear of hurricanes. Avoiding life changes especially positive ones so you don’t encounter triggers. Example: Avoiding buying a house or taking a job somewhere with a view of a river, lake or ocean because of a fear of water, swimming or drowning. […] Over time, untreated phobias can cause some people to limit their lives severely. […] Over time, specific phobia can fade. However, this is less likely to happen without treatment. Phobias that start in childhood may fade quickly. But childhood phobias that last into adulthood can last for years or even decades. […] The outlook for specific phobia is best with treatment, especially early on. Without treatment, these conditions can greatly impact your mental health and how you live your life.

• #134 Specific Phobia – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf

  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499923/

  Specific phobia is a common anxiety disorder. Patients with specific phobias experience anxiety and panic attacks along with unreasonable fear of exposure or anticipated exposure to a phobic stimulus. The anxiety response goes beyond normal apprehension and leads to avoidance behavior. The intensity of the fear is often disproportionate to the actual danger posed by the phobic stimulus. […] Specific phobia is an anxiety disorder characterized by excessive and irrational fear of a particular object, situation, or activity. The anxiety response goes beyond normal apprehension and leads to avoidance behavior. The intensity of the fear is often disproportionate to the actual danger posed by the phobic stimulus. Common examples of specific phobias include fear of heights (acrophobia), fear of spiders (arachnophobia), fear of flying (aviophobia), and fear of needles (trypanophobia). People with specific phobias may experience intense anxiety or panic attacks when exposed to the feared object or situation.

• #135 Phobias – overview, social and specific | healthdirect

  https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/phobias-overview

  A phobia is an unreasonable fear of something, either social or specific. […] Common specific phobias can include fear of certain animals, medical procedures or situations. […] To be diagnosed as a phobia, a person’s anxiety must not match the danger posed, and it must cause distress that affects their life. […] Specific phobias are fears caused by a specific object or situation. The fear is very intense and can cause a great deal of anxiety. […] Common phobias include fears of: certain animals or insects, often snakes or spiders; certain environmental situations such as storms, heights, or water; blood, needles or medical procedures; certain situations, such as flying, driving, or being on bridges or in tunnels. […] Specific phobias often result from having a bad experience. […] To be diagnosed as a phobia, a person’s anxiety must not match the danger posed by the threat. It also must cause distress that affects their life.

• #136 Specific Phobia – PsychDB

  https://www.psychdb.com/anxiety/phobia

  Specific Phobia is an anxiety disorder characterized by intense fear or anxiety in the presence of a particular situation or object (phobic stimulus). The four major types of fear are animals, environments, medical procedures, and situations (e.g. – elevators, planes, enclosed spaces). […] Specific phobia can often develop following a traumatic event (e.g. – being bitten than an animal), observing others going through a traumatic event (e.g. – watching someone drown) […] Most individuals however, are unable to recall a specific trigger for their phobia. […] The majority of cases of specific phobia prior to age 10. […] Phobias that develop in childhood and adolescence tend to wax and wane, but if they persist into adulthood, it is rare for them to remit. […] Depending on the phobic stimulus, it can have a varied impact on the individual: e.g. – fear of falling leading to individual staying at home

• #137 Specific phobias – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic

  https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/specific-phobias/symptoms-causes/syc-20355156

  Much is still not known about what causes specific phobias. […] A specific phobia can start when something distressing happens to you, such as being trapped in an elevator or attacked by an animal. […] Although specific phobias may seem silly to others, they can be distressing and damaging to the people who have them. These phobias can cause problems that affect many areas of life.

• #138 Phobias: Specific Phobias Types and Symptoms

  https://www.webmd.com/anxiety-panic/specific-phobias

  The term „phobia” refers to a group of anxiety symptoms brought on by certain objects or situations. A specific phobia, formerly called a simple phobia, is a lasting and unreasonable fear caused by the presence or thought of a specific object or situation that usually poses little or no actual danger. Exposure to the object or situation brings about an immediate reaction, causing the person to endure intense anxiety (nervousness) or to avoid the object or situation entirely. The distress associated with the phobia and/or the need to avoid the object or situation can significantly interfere with the person’s ability to function. Adults with a specific phobia recognize that the fear is excessive or unreasonable, yet are unable to overcome it. […] Symptoms of specific phobias may include: Excessive or irrational fear of a specific object or situation, Avoiding the object or situation or enduring it with great distress, Physical symptoms of anxiety or a panic attack, such as a pounding heart, nausea or diarrhea, sweating, trembling or shaking, numbness or tingling, problems with breathing (shortness of breath), feeling dizzy or lightheaded, feeling like you are choking, Anticipatory anxiety, which involves becoming nervous ahead of time about being in certain situations or coming into contact with the object of your phobia; for example, a person with a fear of dogs may become anxious about going for a walk because they may see a dog along the way.

• #139 Phobia – simple/specific: MedlinePlus Medical EncyclopediaLock

  https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000956.htm

  Specific phobias are a type of anxiety disorder in which a person may feel extremely anxious or has a panic attack when exposed to the object of fear. Specific phobias are a common mental disorder. […] Being exposed to the feared object or even thinking about being exposed to it causes an anxiety reaction. […] This fear or anxiety is much stronger than the real threat. […] You may sweat excessively, have problems controlling your muscles or actions, or have a fast heart rate. […] You avoid settings in which you may come into contact with the feared object or animal. For example, you may avoid driving through tunnels, if tunnels are your phobia. This type of avoidance can interfere with your job and social life. […] Phobias tend to be ongoing, but they can respond to treatment. […] Some phobias may affect job performance or social functioning. Some anti-anxiety medicines used to treat phobias may cause physical dependence.

• #140 Types, Symptoms, and Treatment of Phobias | Psychlinks Forum — Archive Only (2004-2022)

  https://forum.psychlinks.ca/threads/types-symptoms-and-treatment-of-phobias.74/

  There are five recognized categories: o Fear of animals or insects; o Fear of the natural environment (such as water); o Panic because of blood or injection; o Panic about a specific situation; o Specific fears such as choking after eating certain foods, fears of loud sounds or fears of clowns. The most common: fears of spiders, snakes and heights.

• #141 Specific Phobia in Children: A Quick Guide

  https://childmind.org/guide/quick-guide-to-specific-phobia/

  Specific phobia is a mental health condition in which a child has an extreme and uncontrollable fear of something that out of proportion to the actual danger. Common specific phobias include dogs, clowns, bugs, the dark and loud noises. Being around the thing they are afraid of or even thinking about it causes the child severe anxiety. These children are not always anxious in general. It’s just the thing they’re afraid of that upsets them. […] Signs that a child may have specific phobia include: Extreme fear of a certain object or situation; Having anxiety attacks when they see or even think about the thing that scares them; Crying or throwing tantrums to avoid the thing that scares them; Trembling, dizziness, or sweating in reaction to the thing that scares them. […] It’s common for children to have more than one specific phobia. For example, a child might be scared of both dogs and heights.

• #142 Specific Phobia in Children: A Quick Guide

  https://childmind.org/guide/quick-guide-to-specific-phobia/

  Specific phobia is a mental health condition in which a child has an extreme and uncontrollable fear of something that out of proportion to the actual danger. Common specific phobias include dogs, clowns, bugs, the dark and loud noises. Being around the thing they are afraid of or even thinking about it causes the child severe anxiety. These children are not always anxious in general. It’s just the thing they’re afraid of that upsets them. […] Signs that a child may have specific phobia include: Extreme fear of a certain object or situation; Having anxiety attacks when they see or even think about the thing that scares them; Crying or throwing tantrums to avoid the thing that scares them; Trembling, dizziness, or sweating in reaction to the thing that scares them. […] It’s common for children to have more than one specific phobia. For example, a child might be scared of both dogs and heights.

• #143 Specific Phobia – PsychDB

  https://www.psychdb.com/anxiety/phobia

  e.g. – fear of choking leading to individual reducing food and dietary intake. […] The impact of specific phobias worsen with an increasing number of phobias present. […] Individuals with certain specific phobia (situational, natural environment, and animal specific phobias) usually experience an increase in sympathetic nervous system arousal in anticipation of or during exposure to a phobic object or situation. […] However, individuals with blood-injection-injury specific phobias often demonstrate a vasovagal fainting or near-fainting response. There may be an initial brief acceleration of heart rate and elevation of blood pressure followed by a quick deceleration of heart rate and a drop in blood pressure.

• #144 Specific Phobia – PsychDB

  https://www.psychdb.com/anxiety/phobia

  e.g. – fear of choking leading to individual reducing food and dietary intake. […] The impact of specific phobias worsen with an increasing number of phobias present. […] Individuals with certain specific phobia (situational, natural environment, and animal specific phobias) usually experience an increase in sympathetic nervous system arousal in anticipation of or during exposure to a phobic object or situation. […] However, individuals with blood-injection-injury specific phobias often demonstrate a vasovagal fainting or near-fainting response. There may be an initial brief acceleration of heart rate and elevation of blood pressure followed by a quick deceleration of heart rate and a drop in blood pressure.

• #145 Phobia – Wikipedia

  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phobia

  A phobia is an anxiety disorder, defined by an irrational, unrealistic, persistent and excessive fear of an object or situation. Phobias typically result in a rapid onset of fear and are usually present for more than six months. Those affected go to great lengths to avoid the situation or object, to a degree greater than the actual danger posed. If the object or situation cannot be avoided, they experience significant distress. Other symptoms can include fainting, which may occur in blood or injury phobia, and panic attacks, often found in agoraphobia and emetophobia. Around 75% of those with phobias have multiple phobias. […] Specific phobias are further divided to include certain animals, natural environment, blood or injury, and particular situations. The most common are fear of spiders, fear of snakes, and fear of heights. Specific phobias may be caused by a negative experience with the object or situation in early childhood to early adulthood.

• #146 Specific Phobia in Children: A Quick Guide

  https://childmind.org/guide/quick-guide-to-specific-phobia/

  Specific phobia is a mental health condition in which a child has an extreme and uncontrollable fear of something that out of proportion to the actual danger. Common specific phobias include dogs, clowns, bugs, the dark and loud noises. Being around the thing they are afraid of or even thinking about it causes the child severe anxiety. These children are not always anxious in general. It’s just the thing they’re afraid of that upsets them. […] Signs that a child may have specific phobia include: Extreme fear of a certain object or situation; Having anxiety attacks when they see or even think about the thing that scares them; Crying or throwing tantrums to avoid the thing that scares them; Trembling, dizziness, or sweating in reaction to the thing that scares them. […] It’s common for children to have more than one specific phobia. For example, a child might be scared of both dogs and heights.

• #147 Phobia – Wikipedia

  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phobia

  A phobia is an anxiety disorder, defined by an irrational, unrealistic, persistent and excessive fear of an object or situation. Phobias typically result in a rapid onset of fear and are usually present for more than six months. Those affected go to great lengths to avoid the situation or object, to a degree greater than the actual danger posed. If the object or situation cannot be avoided, they experience significant distress. Other symptoms can include fainting, which may occur in blood or injury phobia, and panic attacks, often found in agoraphobia and emetophobia. Around 75% of those with phobias have multiple phobias. […] Specific phobias are further divided to include certain animals, natural environment, blood or injury, and particular situations. The most common are fear of spiders, fear of snakes, and fear of heights. Specific phobias may be caused by a negative experience with the object or situation in early childhood to early adulthood.

• #148 Specific Phobia – PsychDB

  https://www.psychdb.com/anxiety/phobia

  e.g. – fear of choking leading to individual reducing food and dietary intake. […] The impact of specific phobias worsen with an increasing number of phobias present. […] Individuals with certain specific phobia (situational, natural environment, and animal specific phobias) usually experience an increase in sympathetic nervous system arousal in anticipation of or during exposure to a phobic object or situation. […] However, individuals with blood-injection-injury specific phobias often demonstrate a vasovagal fainting or near-fainting response. There may be an initial brief acceleration of heart rate and elevation of blood pressure followed by a quick deceleration of heart rate and a drop in blood pressure.

• #149 Specific phobias – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic

  https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/specific-phobias/symptoms-causes/syc-20355156

  Specific phobias are an extreme fear of objects or situations that pose little or no danger but make you highly anxious. So you try to stay away from these things. Unlike the brief anxiety you may feel when giving a speech or taking a test, specific phobias are long-lasting. Without treatment, specific phobias tend to last a lifetime. […] Phobias can cause strong physical, mental and emotional responses. They also can affect how you act at work or school, or in social situations. […] A specific phobia involves a strong, lasting fear of a certain object or situation that’s much greater than the actual risk. There are many types of phobias. It’s common to have a specific phobia about more than one object or situation. Specific phobias also can happen along with other types of anxiety disorders.

• #150 Specific Phobias (Symptoms) | Center for the Treatment and Study of Anxiety | Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania

  https://www.med.upenn.edu/ctsa/phobias_symptoms.html

  A specific phobia is an intense, persistent, irrational fear of a specific object, situation, or activity, or person. Usually, the fear is proportionally greater than the actual danger or threat. People with specific phobias are highly distressed about having the fear, and often will go to great lengths to avoid the object or situation in question. […] The phobic situation(s) is avoided or else is endured with intense anxiety or distress. […] The avoidance, anxious anticipation, or distress during the feared situation(s) interferes significantly with the person’s normal routine, work (or school) functioning, or social activities or relationships, or there is marked distress about having the phobia. […] The fear is persistent, typically lasting for at least six months.

• #151 Specific phobia – Wikipedia

  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Specific_phobia

  Fear, discomfort or anxiety may be triggered both by the presence and the anticipation of the specific object or situation. The main behavioral sign of a specific phobia is avoidance. The fear or anxiety associated with specific phobia can also manifest in physical symptoms such as an increased heart rate, shortness of breath, muscle tension, sweating, or a desire to escape the situation. […] The majority of those that develop a specific phobia first experience symptoms in childhood. Often individuals will experience symptoms periodically with periods of remission before complete remission occurs. However, specific phobias that continue into adulthood are likely to experience a more chronic course. Specific phobias in older adults has been linked with a decrease in quality of life. […] Response to treatment is relatively high but many do not seek treatment due to lack of access, ability to avoid phobia, or unwilling to face feared object for repeated CBT sessions.

• #152 Specific phobias – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic

  https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/specific-phobias/symptoms-causes/syc-20355156

  Specific phobias are an extreme fear of objects or situations that pose little or no danger but make you highly anxious. So you try to stay away from these things. Unlike the brief anxiety you may feel when giving a speech or taking a test, specific phobias are long-lasting. Without treatment, specific phobias tend to last a lifetime. […] Phobias can cause strong physical, mental and emotional responses. They also can affect how you act at work or school, or in social situations. […] A specific phobia involves a strong, lasting fear of a certain object or situation that’s much greater than the actual risk. There are many types of phobias. It’s common to have a specific phobia about more than one object or situation. Specific phobias also can happen along with other types of anxiety disorders.

• #153 Phobias: Specific Phobias Types and Symptoms

  https://www.webmd.com/anxiety-panic/specific-phobias

  Specific phobias in adults generally start suddenly and are more lasting than childhood phobias. Only about 20% of specific phobias in adults go away on their own (without treatment). […] The doctor bases their diagnosis of specific phobias on reported symptoms, including any problems with functioning caused by the symptoms. A specific phobia is diagnosed if the person’s fear and anxiety are particularly distressing or if they interfere with their daily routine, including school, work, social activities, and relationships. […] For most people, specific phobias can be successfully treated with therapy, medication, or a combination of both.

• #154 Phobias | Mental Health America

  https://mhanational.org/conditions/phobias/

  Specific Or Simple Phobias produce intense fear of a particular object or situation that is, in fact, relatively safe. People who suffer from specific phobias are aware that their fear is irrational, but the thought of facing the object or situation often brings on a panic attack or severe anxiety. […] Specific phobias may include persistent fear of dogs, insects, or snakes; driving a car; heights; tunnels or bridges; thunderstorms; and/or flying. No one knows what causes them, though they seem to run in families and are slightly more prevalent in women. Specific phobias usually begin in adolescence or adulthood. They start suddenly and tend to be more persistent than childhood phobias. When children have specific phobias—for example, a fear of animals—those fears usually disappear over time, though they may continue into adulthood. No one knows why they persist in some people and disappear in others.

• #155 Phobia – Harvard Health

  https://www.health.harvard.edu/a_to_z/phobia-a-to-z

  In children, specific phobias can be short-term problems that disappear within a few months. In adults, about 80% of new phobias become chronic (long-term) conditions that do not go away without proper treatment. […] The outlook is very good for people with specific phobia or social phobia. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, about 75% of people with specific phobias overcome their fears through cognitive-behavioral therapy, while 80% of those with social phobia find relief from medication, cognitive-behavioral therapy, or a combination.

• #156 Specific Phobia – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf

  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499923/

  Uncontrolled specific phobia increases the risk of other comorbid psychiatric illnesses, specifically depression. Specific phobias can have significant impairment to social and occupational functioning, which can worsen psychological stress. Anxiety disorders are a risk factor for suicidality, even after controlling for co-occurring mental health disorders and life stress.

• #157 Phobia: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis And Treatment

  https://laopcenter.com/mental-health/symptoms/phobia/

  Common symptoms of phobias include physical reactions like dizziness, trembling, and an increased heart rate; emotional responses such as intense fear, anxiety, and panic attacks; and behavioral symptoms, including the avoidance of phobic triggers. […] The symptoms of phobias are multifaceted, including physical, emotional, and behavioral responses that significantly impair daily life. […] Phobias can significantly impair an individuals ability to function and participate in everyday activities, often leading to isolation and reduced quality of life. […] Phobias can cause debilitating anxiety that disrupts daily routines, leading to avoidance of situations that trigger fear. […] Phobias, if not addressed, can severely impact daily functioning and overall quality of life. […] Phobias lead to significant social withdrawal and avoidance behaviors, affecting relationships and social interactions. […] Untreated phobias also increase the risk of developing other mental health issues such as depression, generalized anxiety disorder, and substance misuse. […] Phobias are often comorbid with other anxiety and mood disorders, complicating the clinical picture and treatment.

• #158 Phobia: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis And Treatment

  https://laopcenter.com/mental-health/symptoms/phobia/

  Common symptoms of phobias include physical reactions like dizziness, trembling, and an increased heart rate; emotional responses such as intense fear, anxiety, and panic attacks; and behavioral symptoms, including the avoidance of phobic triggers. […] The symptoms of phobias are multifaceted, including physical, emotional, and behavioral responses that significantly impair daily life. […] Phobias can significantly impair an individuals ability to function and participate in everyday activities, often leading to isolation and reduced quality of life. […] Phobias can cause debilitating anxiety that disrupts daily routines, leading to avoidance of situations that trigger fear. […] Phobias, if not addressed, can severely impact daily functioning and overall quality of life. […] Phobias lead to significant social withdrawal and avoidance behaviors, affecting relationships and social interactions. […] Untreated phobias also increase the risk of developing other mental health issues such as depression, generalized anxiety disorder, and substance misuse. […] Phobias are often comorbid with other anxiety and mood disorders, complicating the clinical picture and treatment.

• #159 Anxiety Disorders: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & Types

  https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9536-anxiety-disorders

  Specific phobias: A phobia is when something causes you to feel fear or anxiety that’s so severe it consistently and overwhelmingly disrupts your life. There are hundreds of different types of phobias, and there’s one diagnosis for almost all of them: specific phobia. Only one phobia, agoraphobia, is a distinct diagnosis. […] Specific phobias affect up to 12% of the U.S. population. […] Symptoms of anxiety disorders vary depending on the type. […] It’s important to talk to your healthcare provider or a mental health professional if you frequently experience these symptoms. […] Left untreated, anxiety disorders can lead to serious complications, including difficulty with social situations and decreased quality of life. […] Treatment is effective. The right treatment can help improve your quality of life, relationships and productivity. It can also support your overall well-being.

• #160 Specific Phobias – Psychiatric Disorders – Merck Manual Professional Edition

  https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/psychiatric-disorders/anxiety-and-stressor-related-disorders/specific-phobias

  The prognosis for untreated specific phobias varies because certain uncommon situations or objects (eg, snakes, caves) are easy to avoid, whereas other situations or objects (eg, bridges, thunderstorms) are common and difficult to avoid. […] The most extensively studied and most effective psychotherapy for specific phobia is exposure therapy, which aims to reverse the cycle of anxiety and avoidance.

• #161 Specific Phobia Treatment | Psych Central

  https://psychcentral.com/anxiety/specific-phobia-treatment

  Research shows that 80% to 90% of people with specific phobias respond to exposure therapy. […] Studies examining the use of systematic desensitization in reducing anxiety related to specific phobias have found that exposure therapy techniques lead to improvement and remission of symptoms. […] Medications are not typically recommended for specific phobias. However, if the phobia starts to interfere with day-to-day life and symptoms become more challenging to manage, medications such as anti-anxiety medications and antidepressants might be helpful to lessen symptoms of anxiety. […] Antidepressants, particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), are often used to treat specific phobias. […] Your doctor will work with you to find the right medication for you based on your symptoms and your lifestyle.

• #162 Specific Phobia Treatment | Psych Central

  https://psychcentral.com/anxiety/specific-phobia-treatment

  Research shows that 80% to 90% of people with specific phobias respond to exposure therapy. […] Studies examining the use of systematic desensitization in reducing anxiety related to specific phobias have found that exposure therapy techniques lead to improvement and remission of symptoms. […] Medications are not typically recommended for specific phobias. However, if the phobia starts to interfere with day-to-day life and symptoms become more challenging to manage, medications such as anti-anxiety medications and antidepressants might be helpful to lessen symptoms of anxiety. […] Antidepressants, particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), are often used to treat specific phobias. […] Your doctor will work with you to find the right medication for you based on your symptoms and your lifestyle.

• #163 Phobia – Harvard Health

  https://www.health.harvard.edu/a_to_z/phobia-a-to-z

  In children, specific phobias can be short-term problems that disappear within a few months. In adults, about 80% of new phobias become chronic (long-term) conditions that do not go away without proper treatment. […] The outlook is very good for people with specific phobia or social phobia. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, about 75% of people with specific phobias overcome their fears through cognitive-behavioral therapy, while 80% of those with social phobia find relief from medication, cognitive-behavioral therapy, or a combination.

• #164 Specific Phobia Symptoms: The Mental and Physical Effects of Phobias

  https://psychcentral.com/anxiety/specific-phobia-symptoms

  In people with a phobia, seeing or thinking about a feared object or situation activates the body’s defense system, known as the fight-or-flight response. […] Common physical symptoms related to specific phobias include: heart palpitations, sweating, shaking, chills or hot flushes, shortness of breath or feeling smothered, chest pain or discomfort, feeling nauseated, dizziness, feeling lightheaded, fainting. […] Psychological symptoms of specific phobias include: a feeling of imminent danger or doom, feeling the need to escape, intense discomfort, a fear of losing control, a sense of things being unreal, known as depersonalization. […] The avoidance and anxious anticipation of the feared situation can lead to significant distress about having the phobia in the first place. […] Having a specific phobia can predict the development of other anxiety, mood, or substance use disorders. That said, specific phobias are treatable, and early treatment may reduce the risk of other mental health conditions.

• #165 Phobias | Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment

  https://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/health/p/phobia

  Each child’s experience can be different. […] The symptoms of a phobia may look like other physical or mental health problems. Always consult your child’s doctor for a diagnosis. […] A child psychiatrist, psychologist or other health or mental health expert will diagnose an anxiety disorder after a full medical and psychiatric evaluation. […] Treatment for phobias will be advised for your child based on: Age, health and history, Extent of symptoms, Type of phobia, How they handle specific medicine, procedures or therapy, What is expected for the course of the condition, Your thoughts or preference. […] There is effective treatment for phobias, like there is for other anxiety disorders. Treatment should always be based on a full evaluation of the child and family. […] Early detection and intervention can: Reduce how severe the symptoms are, Enhance the child’s normal growth and development, Improve the quality of life of children and teens with anxiety disorders.

• #166 Specific phobias – Diagnosis and treatment – Mayo Clinic

  https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/specific-phobias/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20355162

  The goal of treatment is to improve your quality of life so that you’re no longer limited by your phobias. As you learn how to better manage your responses, thoughts and feelings, your anxiety and fear will get lower and no longer control your life. Typically, one specific phobia is treated at a time. […] Talking with a mental health professional can help you manage your specific phobia. The most effective treatments are: Exposure therapy. This therapy focuses on changing your response to the object or situation that you fear. Gradual, repeated exposure to the source of your specific phobia, and the related thoughts, feelings and sensations, may help you learn to manage your anxiety. […] Generally, exposure therapy successfully treats specific phobias. But sometimes medicines can reduce the anxiety and panic symptoms you feel from thinking about or being exposed to the object or situation you fear. […] Specific phobias may cause physical, emotional and mental distress.

• #167

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