behavioural characteristics

• Panic

  • crying
  • screaming and running away
  • children: freezing, clinging and temper tantrums
• Avoidance

  • sufferers will avoid the fear stimulus, which can have a detrimental effect on quality of life
  • avoidance interferes with the sufferer's normal routine, occupation, social activities and relationships
  • avoidance causes marked distress
• Endurance

  • sufferers remain in the presence of the phobic stimulus, experiencing high levels of anxiety