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Phobia - simple/specific - Overview

Definition of Phobia - simple/specific:

A phobia is a persistent and irrational fear of a particular type of object, animal, activity, or situation.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Specific phobias are a type of anxiety disorder in which exposure to the feared stimulus may provoke extreme anxiety or a panic attack. Specific phobias are among the most common of all psychiatric disorders, affecting up to 10% of the population.

Common phobias include the fear of:

  • Blood
  • Certain animals (for instance, dogs or snakes)
  • Flying
  • High places
  • Insects or spiders
  • Lightning

People with specific phobias often realize their fear is irrational, but are unable to prevent it.

  • Reviewed last on: 12/15/2008
  • Linda Vorvick, MD, Family Physician, Seattle Site Coordinator, Lecturer, Pathophysiology, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine; and Timothy A. Rogge, MD, private practice in Psychiatry, Kirkland, Washington. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Moore DP, Jefferson JW. Specific phobia. In: Moore DP, Jefferson JW, eds. Handbook of Medical Psychiatry. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier;2004:chap 85.

Katon W, Geyman JP. Anxiety disorders. In: Rakel RE, ed. Textbook of Family Medicine. 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa:Saunders Elsevier;2007:chap 57.

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