Characteristics of phobias

• A phobia is a disorder in which a fearful anxiety in response to a specific object or situation. Unlike normal rational fears of some things the phobic person shows a distinct and persistent fear out of all proportion to the danger posed by the situation. The sufferer will be aware that their reaction is beyond voluntary and is reasonable and excessive but will be unable to respond to the particular object or situation in any other manner than extreme anxiety and stress.
• Psychological symptoms of phobias:

  • restlessness
  • dread
  • poor concentration
  • irritability
• Physical symptoms of phobias:

  • shortness of breath
  • nausea
  • shaking
  • trembling
  • headaches
  • palpitations
  • muscle tension
• Symptoms may be severe enough for the sufferer to avoid the object or subject of fear so that it becomes a disruption to normal life. 5-10% of the UK population are reported to have some form of phobia although as many people don't report them the statistic is probably much higher
• Types of Phobia:

  • Specific phobia
  • social phobia
  • agoraphobia
• Specific phobia: A specific phobia involves a strong, lasting fear of a certain object or situation that's much greater than the actual risk. 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. For example, fear of feathers
• Social phobia: also referred to as social anxiety disorder, is a common mental health condition. It is a type of anxiety disorder. Those affected by it experience fear and anxiety in specific or all social situations, due to a fear of being judged or humiliated. For example, speaking in front of a crowd
• Agoraphobia:  fear of being in situations where escape might be difficult or that help wouldn't be available if things go wrong. For example, scared of travelling on public transport or visiting a shopping centre
• Other types of phobias:

  • Anthophobia: flowers
  • Spermophobia: germs
  • Cnidophobia: insect stings
  • Ochlophobia: Crowds
  • Pediophobia: Dolls