Counseling and Psychological Services

Phobias

Phobias affect people's quality of life. This resource describes what phobias are and how to address these.

Preview Points

  • Phobias are irrational or excessive fears that do not represent an actual, genuine danger.
  • Phobias may be imaginary. They may be irrationally exaggerated.
  • By contrast, fear is a normal response to real danger.
  • Some common phobias involve phobic reactions to animals, spiders, activities, social situations, or textures.
  • Phobias generally fall into three types: social phobias, specific phobias, and a generalized fear of leaving home or “agoraphobia.”
  • Recognizing phobias may be helpful to address them.
  • Phobias affect people of all ages and life situations.

Contents

Symptoms of phobia:

    • Feelings of dread or terror
    • Recognition that the phobia goes beyond reasonable fear for the situation
    • Uncontrollable fear reactions
    • Physiological fear reactions
    • Extreme measures to avoid the feared situation or object of phobia

Origins of phobias:

Phobias are thought to arise from a combination of external events and internal predispositions.
Phobias should be addressed professionally, particularly if that phobia interferes with daily living.

Concluding Points

  • Phobias may focus on social situations, specific phobias, and a generalized fear of leaving home.
  • Phobias that interfere with daily life should be treated.
  • Phobias are treatable.

References

Let’s talk facts about phobias. (2005). American Psychiatric Association.
“Phobia.” (2008, Dec.) Wikipedia. Retrieved Dec. 4, 2008, at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phobia.