Symptoms:

Being exposed to the feared object, or even thinking about being exposed to it causes an anxiety reaction.

• This fear or anxiety is out of proportion to (much stronger than) the real threat.
• The person may have excessive sweating, problems controlling the muscles or actions, or rapid heart rate.

The person avoids situations in which contact with the feared object or animal may occur -- for example, avoiding driving through tunnels, if tunnels are the subject of the phobia. This type of avoidance can interfere with job and social functioning.

The person may feel weak or cowardly and lose self-esteem when avoiding the object of the phobia.

Signs and tests:

The health care provider will ask about your history of phobia, and will get a description of the behavior from you, your family, and friends.

Signs include:

• Elevated blood pressure
• Rapid heart rate