A phobia is an extreme or persistent fear of a specific object or situation. Common phobias include animals, blood, injection, and heights. More often than not individuals who experience a specific phobia fear multiple objects or situations.
Typical Symptoms of a Phobia
- Intense fear/anxiety when witnessing the phobic object
- Actively avoiding the phobia or situation
- Persistent fear and anxiety
- Distress related to the phobia impairs the person’s work or relationships
Common Types of Phobia
- Insects
- Spiders
- Storms
- Water
- Heights
- Needles
- Blood
- Medical care
- Injury
- Airplanes
- Enclosed places
Specific Phobia is Treatable
Various studies have shown Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to be an effective treatment for phobias. CBT for phobias is a short-term treatment (10-20 sessions) and involves the examination of unhealthy thought patterns and learning new ways of coping and managing anxiety. Please visit our Treatments page to learn more.