Specific Phobias

Specific Phobia is characterized by the excessive fear upon exposure to an object or a situation, which causes an anxious response, such as a Panic Attack. Individuals with phobias recognize that their fear is excessive and unreasonable, but are unable to control it. The feared object or situation is usually avoided or anticipated with dread. Specific Phobia affects about 6.3 million Americans.

Associated Features

• Marked and persistent fear that is excessive or unreasonable
• The fear is cued by the presence or anticipation of a specific object or situation (e.g., flying, heights, animals, receiving an injection, seeing blood, etc.)
• Exposure to the phobic stimulus almost invariably provokes an immediate anxiety response
• The anxiety may be expressed by crying, tantrums, freezing, or clinging
• The phobic situation(s) is avoided or else is endured with intense anxiety or distress