Specific Phobias

Specific phobias are characterized by marked and persistent fear that is excessive or unreasonable, cued by the presence or anticipation of a specific object or situation. Exposure to the phobia stimulus provokes an immediate anxiety response, which may take the form of a panic attack. Individuals with specific phobias often avoid the phobic situations or endure them with intense anxiety and distress. The avoidance, anxious anticipation, or distress in the feared situation interferes significantly with the person's normal routine, occupational functioning, academic functioning, or social activities or relationships, or there is marked distress about having the phobia.

Common Specific Phobias

• Animal Type: Fear is cued by animals or insects.
• Natural Environment Type: Fear is cued by objects in the natural environment, such as storms, heights, water, or darkness.
• Blood-Injection-Injury Type: Fear is cued by seeing blood or an injury or by receiving an injection or other invasive medical procedure. May be associated with a strong vasovagal response.
• Situational Type: Fear is cued by a specific situation such as public transportation, tunnels, bridges, elevators, flying, driving, or enclosed places.
• Fear of Choking
• Fear of Vomiting (Emetophobia)
• Fear of Contracting an Illness
• Fear of Loud Sounds or Particular Sounds (Misophonia)
• Fear of Costumed characters
• Fear of Doctors/Dentists