Phobias- Facts

Phobia, intense and persistent fear of a specific object, situation, or activity. Because of this intense and persistent fear, the

phobic person often leads a constricted life. The anxiety is typically out of proportion to the real situation, and the victim is fully

aware that the fear is irrational.

Phobic anxiety is distinguishable from other forms of anxiety only in that it occurs specifically in relation to a certain object or

situation. This anxiety is characterized by physiological symptoms such as a rapid, pounding heartbeat, stomach disorders,

nausea, diarrhea, frequent urination, choking feelings, flushing of the face, perspiration, tremulousness, and faintness. Some

phobic people are able to confront their fears. More commonly, however, they avoid the situation or object that causes the

fear—an avoidance that impairs the sufferer's freedom.

Psychiatrists recognize three major types of phobias. Simple phobias are fears of specific objects or situations such as animals,

closed spaces, and heights. The second type, agoraphobia, is fear of open, public places and situations (such as public vehicles

and crowded shopping centers) from which escape is difficult; agoraphobics tend increasingly to avoid more situations until

eventually they become housebound. Social phobias, the third type, are fears of appearing stupid or shameful in social situations.

The simple phobias, especially the fear of animals, may begin in childhood and persist into adulthood. Agoraphobia

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