Characteristics of Phobias

• What is the definition of a Phobia?


  A Phobia is an extreme fear (often irrational) of specific objects/organisms, situations or concepts which trigger extreme anxiety in the phobic person.
• Some examples of Behavioural Characteristics of Phobias include:

  • A state of high stress and anxiety
  • Freezing
  • Crying, screaming or shrieking
  • Running away
  • Passing out/Fainting
  • Avoidance
• Cognitive examples of Phobias:

  • Irrational thinking
  • Cognitive distortions
  • Selective attention
• Emotional characteristics of Phobias:

  • Extreme Anxiety
  • Panic