What are specific phobias?
Definition. Specific phobia is an intense, irrational fear of something that poses little or no actual danger. Although adults with phobias may realize that these fears are irrational, even thinking about facing the feared object or situation brings on severe anxiety symptoms.
What are the 5 specific phobias?
Phobia subtypes are recognized differently around the world – in the USA, the DSM-5 recognizes animal, situational, natural and blood-injection-injury as specific phobias. A fifth category is known as ‘other’ – this includes fear of vomiting or choking.
When do specific phobias originate?
Phobias can happen in early childhood. But they are often first seen between ages 15 and 20. They affect both men and women equally.
What is specific social phobia?
Social phobia is a type of anxiety disorder. People who have social phobia experience extreme and persistent anxiety associated with social or performance situations. Some people with social phobia fear and avoid specific situations, while others may feel anxiety about certain social situations.
What are the 10 most common phobias?
Phobias: The ten most common fears people hold
- Acrophobia: fear of heights.
- Pteromerhanophobia: fear of flying.
- Claustrophobia: fear of enclosed spaces.
- Entomophobia: fear of insects.
- Ophidiophobia: fear of snakes.
- Cynophobia: fear of dogs.
- Astraphobia: fear of storms.
- Trypanophobia: fear of needles.
What causes a specific phobia?
Many phobias develop as a result of having a negative experience or panic attack related to a specific object or situation. Genetics and environment. There may be a link between your own specific phobia and the phobia or anxiety of your parents — this could be due to genetics or learned behavior.
Are specific phobias genetic?
Research suggests that phobias can run in families, and that both genetic and environmental factors (nature and nurture) can contribute to developing a phobia.
How many specific phobias are there?
There are five different types of specific phobia.
How do specific phobias develop?
You might develop the same specific phobia as a parent or older sibling. If they have a severe reaction to something they fear, this might influence you to feel the same way. Reactions and responses to panic or fear. You might have a strong reaction, or a panic attack, in response to a situation or object.
How are specific phobias treated?
The best treatment for specific phobias is a form of psychotherapy called exposure therapy. Sometimes your doctor may also recommend other therapies or medication. Understanding the cause of a phobia is actually less important than focusing on how to treat the avoidance behavior that has developed over time.