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class="css-ifmqwy"></div></div><div class="css-16wahxh"><aside class="css-1wm8u43" data-testid="header-leaderboard" data-sticky="true"><div data-empty="true" class="css-1j2d96m"><div class="css-1hjaa0k"><span class="css-zya54r"></span></div><div id="dlb1__slot" data-adbridg-ad-class="dlb1" data-ad="true" class="css-1jpwf16"></div></div></aside></div><aside data-testid="mobile-leaderboard" class="css-pdceuf"><div class="css-11egx89"><button class="icon-hl-close-thick css-1ik4tkj"></button><div data-empty="true" class="css-1fteite"><div class="css-1hjaa0k"><span class="css-zya54r"></span></div><div id="mlb1__slot" data-adbridg-ad-class="mlb1" data-ad="true" class="css-bcus5s"></div></div></div></aside><div data-placement="subheader"></div><div><div class="css-m260rd"><div data-article-body="0" class="css-blwnmv"><div class="css-z468a2"><h1>What Are the Symptoms of Specific Phobias?</h1><div data-preamp="social-proof-lessons"></div><div data-testid="byline"><section data-testid="byline" class="css-eoj89x"><div class="css-1q67gt9"><div class="css-xc63cd"><img src="//i0.wp.com/post.psychcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Jacquelyn-Johnson-500x500-Bio.png?w=105&h=105" alt=""/></div></div><div><span><span>Medically reviewed by <a class="css-150s69f css-130mbve" href="https://www.psychcentral.com/reviewers/jacquelyn-johnson-psyd">Jacquelyn Johnson, PsyD.</a></span></span> — <span><span><span><span>Written by <a class="css-150s69f css-130mbve" href="https://www.psychcentral.com/authors/jamie-smith">Jamie Smith</a></span></span></span></span> — <span> Updated on January 22, 2021</span></div></section></div><div><nav id="tab-bar-0" data-testid="tab-bar" class="css-7u7i0a"><ul class="css-17ztj4b"><li class="css-t753mo"><a href="#symptoms" class="css-yn6ido">Symptoms</a></li><li class="css-t753mo"><a href="#physical" class="css-yn6ido">Physical</a></li><li class="css-t753mo"><a href="#mental" class="css-yn6ido">Mental</a></li><li class="css-t753mo"><a href="#common-phobias" class="css-yn6ido">Common phobias</a></li><li class="css-t753mo"><a href="#other-conditions" class="css-yn6ido">Other conditions</a></li><li class="css-t753mo"><a href="#what-to-do" class="css-yn6ido">What to do</a></li></ul></nav><article class="article-body css-d2znx6 undefined"><div class="css-12va8w7"><span style="font-size:0;line-height:0"></span><span style="font-size:0;line-height:0"></span><div><div><p class="css-w2pt6r">A specific phobia is an intense fear about an object or situation. Phobias involve symptoms of both anxiety and avoidance.</p></div></div><div><p><a href="https://psychcentral.com/lib/facts-about-phobias#1" class="content-link css-150s69f">Phobias</a> aren’t just extreme fears — they’re irrational fears. This means that the anxious feelings are larger than the true danger that the object or situation poses. </p></div><div><div data-preamp="serena-chatbot"></div></div><div><p>For example, if you fear heights, you might feel extreme anxiety or panic if you go above the 10th floor of an office building. This would be an irrational fear, as the building would have multiple security measures in place to keep you safe.</p></div><div><p>Specific phobias are widespread. In fact, they’re one of the most common anxiety disorders in the United States, affecting an estimated <a href="https://adaa.org/about-adaa/press-room/facts-statistics" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="content-link css-150s69f">19 million adults</a>, or 8.7 percent of the population.</p></div><div><p>This article looks at the symptoms of specific phobias, the most common types, and other phobia-related conditions.</p></div><div class="css-20w1gi"><aside class="css-0 css-0" data-testid="sticky-inline-ad" data-sticky="false"><div><div data-empty="true" class="css-1sq15os"><div class="css-1hjaa0k"><span class="css-zya54r"></span></div><div id="inline2__slot" data-adbridg-ad-class="inline2__slot" data-ad="true" class="css-1t05dkn"></div></div></div></aside></div></div><div class="css-1avyp1d"><span style="font-size:0;line-height:0"></span><div><h2><div><a class="chartbeat-section" name="symptoms">Symptoms of specific phobias</a></div></h2></div><span style="font-size:0;line-height:0"></span><div><p>If you have a specific phobia, you probably realize that your fears are irrational. However, facing or even thinking about facing the object or situation can bring on a <a href="https://psychcentral.com/anxiety/panic-attack-symptoms" class="content-link css-150s69f">panic attack</a> or intense anxiety.</p></div><div><p>The symptoms of specific phobias usually first appear in adolescence or adulthood, with an average onset of <a href="https://adaa.org/about-adaa/press-room/facts-statistics" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="content-link css-150s69f">7 years old</a>. Children’s fears often disappear by themselves, but in some, they persist into adulthood.</p></div><div><p>According to the latest edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders (DSM-5), the symptoms associated with specific phobias — fear, anxiety, and avoidance — persist for <hl-trusted-source source="PubMed Central" rationale="Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health"><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519704/table/ch3.t11/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="content-link css-150s69f">6 months or more</a></hl-trusted-source>. Without treatment, they can persist for years or decades.</p></div><div><p>Your symptoms may range from mild to severe. How often they arise depends partly on how often you encounter the feared object or situation. Even if encounters are rare, the anticipation of this event can provoke an anxious response.</p></div><div><p>As with other anxiety disorders, the symptoms of specific phobias can be both physical and psychological.</p></div><span class="css-zya54r"></span></div><div class="css-1avyp1d"><span style="font-size:0;line-height:0"></span><div><h2><div><a class="chartbeat-section" name="physical">Physical symptoms</a></div></h2></div><span style="font-size:0;line-height:0"></span><div><p>In people with a phobia, seeing or thinking about a feared object or situation activates the body’s defense system, known as the <a href="https://psychcentral.com/blog/whats-the-purpose-of-the-fight-or-flight-response#1" class="content-link css-150s69f">fight-or-flight response</a>.</p></div><div><p>This is a natural response in humans and animals. It aims to prepare the body for danger. This response gets triggered when the body thinks it detects a threat.</p></div><div><p>Common physical symptoms related to specific phobias include:</p></div><div><ul><li>heart palpitations</li><li>sweating</li><li>shaking</li><li>chills or hot flushes</li><li>shortness of breath or feeling smothered</li><li>chest pain or discomfort</li><li>feeling nauseated </li><li>dizziness</li><li>feeling lightheaded</li><li>fainting</li></ul></div><div><p>Children may express their anxiety differently than adults with behaviors that include:</p></div><div><ul><li>crying</li><li>tantrums</li><li>freezing, or becoming very still despite feeling very anxious on the inside</li><li>clinging to a caregiver</li></ul></div><div class="css-20w1gi"><aside class="css-0 css-0" data-testid="sticky-inline-ad" data-sticky="false"><div><div data-empty="true" class="css-1sq15os"><div class="css-1hjaa0k"><span class="css-zya54r"></span></div><div id="inline7__slot" data-adbridg-ad-class="inline7__slot" data-ad="true" class="css-1t05dkn"></div></div></div></aside></div></div><div class="css-1avyp1d"><span style="font-size:0;line-height:0"></span><div><h2><div><a class="chartbeat-section" name="mental">Psychological symptoms</a></div></h2></div><span style="font-size:0;line-height:0"></span><div><p>Psychological symptoms of specific phobias include:</p></div><div><ul><li>a feeling of imminent danger or doom</li><li>feeling the need to escape</li><li>intense discomfort</li><li>a fear of losing control</li><li>a sense of things being unreal, known as depersonalization</li></ul></div><div><p>Some people often avoid situations or places where they may encounter their fear. </p></div><div><p>Phobias can significantly impact your work, social, and home lives, and your relationships.</p></div><div><p>For example, a phobia may prevent you from visiting parks because of a fear of dogs, or you might turn down a promotion because the new position involves train or plane travel.</p></div><div><p>The avoidance and anxious anticipation of the feared situation can lead to significant distress about having the phobia in the first place. </p></div><div><p>It can even lead to shame and guilt, especially if you find that others don’t understand your feelings.</p></div><span class="css-zya54r"></span></div><div class="css-1avyp1d"><span style="font-size:0;line-height:0"></span><div><h2><div><a class="chartbeat-section" name="common-phobias">Common specific phobias</a></div></h2></div><span style="font-size:0;line-height:0"></span><div><p>Anxiety disorders, which include specific phobias, are very common. In fact, the <hl-trusted-source source="National Institute of Mental Health" rationale="Governmental authority"><a href="https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/any-anxiety-disorder.shtml" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="content-link css-150s69f">National Institutes of Mental Health (NIMH)</a></hl-trusted-source> estimates that almost one-third of adults in the United States will experience an anxiety disorder during their lifetimes.</p></div><div><p>Some specific phobias are more common than others. Women are <a href="https://adaa.org/about-adaa/press-room/facts-statistics" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="content-link css-150s69f">twice as likely</a> to have specific phobias as men.</p></div><div><p>According to the <a href="https://adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/specific-phobias" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="content-link css-150s69f">Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA)</a> and the <hl-trusted-source source="National Institute of Mental Health" rationale="Governmental authority"><a href="https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/anxiety-disorders/index.shtml" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="content-link css-150s69f">NIMH</a></hl-trusted-source>, common specific phobias include a fear of:</p></div><div><ul><li>animals, such as spiders, snakes, dogs, or insects</li><li>heights</li><li>flying</li><li>receiving injections</li><li>blood</li><li>germs</li><li>thunder</li><li>driving</li><li>public transport</li><li>elevators</li><li>dental or medical procedures</li></ul></div><div><p>It’s common for people to have multiple specific phobias. According to the DSM-5, around 75 percent of those with specific phobia fear more than one situation or object, with an average of three fears.</p></div><div class="css-20w1gi"><aside class="css-0 css-0" data-testid="sticky-inline-ad" data-sticky="false"><div><div data-empty="true" class="css-1sq15os"><div class="css-1hjaa0k"><span class="css-zya54r"></span></div><div id="inline12__slot" data-adbridg-ad-class="inline12__slot" data-ad="true" class="css-1t05dkn"></div></div></div></aside></div></div><div class="css-1avyp1d"><span style="font-size:0;line-height:0"></span><div><h2><div><a class="chartbeat-section" name="other-conditions">Other phobia-related conditions</a></div></h2></div><span style="font-size:0;line-height:0"></span><div><p>Not all phobias are specific phobias. The NIMH describes the following conditions as phobia-related disorders:</p></div><div><ul><li><a href="https://psychcentral.com/anxiety/social-anxiety-disorder-symptoms" class="content-link css-150s69f">Social anxiety disorder</a>, previously known as social phobia, is an intense fear of social situations or performance situations.</li><li><a href="https://psychcentral.com/anxiety/agoraphobia-symptoms" class="content-link css-150s69f">Agoraphobia</a> is a fear of being in a situation where you might find it difficult to escape. This might include open spaces, enclosed spaces, or public transport. </li><li><a href="https://psychcentral.com/disorders/separation-anxiety-disorder-symptoms" class="content-link css-150s69f">Separation anxiety disorder</a> involves intense anxiety about being separated from a major attachment figure in your life.</li></ul></div><div><p>For some people, the symptoms can be explained by a different anxiety disorder, such as <a href="https://psychcentral.com/ocd" class="content-link css-150s69f">obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)</a> or <a href="https://psychcentral.com/ptsd" class="content-link css-150s69f">post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)</a>. </p></div><div><p>Having a specific phobia can predict the development of other anxiety, mood, or substance use disorders. That said, specific phobias are treatable, and early treatment may reduce the risk of other mental health conditions.</p></div><span class="css-zya54r"></span></div><div class="css-1avyp1d"><span style="font-size:0;line-height:0"></span><div><h2><div><a class="chartbeat-section" name="what-to-do">What can I do about my phobia?</a></div></h2></div><span style="font-size:0;line-height:0"></span><div><p>The good news is that phobias are highly treatable using relaxation methods and behavioral therapies.</p></div><div><p>Though we can’t always stop our anxiety from making an appearance, we can take steps to notice our symptoms and regain control when they arise.</p></div><div><p>Many people find that talking with a therapist can help. You can do this in whatever way works best for you, whether that’s in person, on the phone, or using video chat.</p></div><div><p>Also, many people find <a href="https://psychcentral.com/lib/in-depth-cognitive-behavioral-therapy#1" class="content-link css-150s69f">cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)</a> and <a href="https://psychcentral.com/lib/what-is-exposure-therapy#1" class="content-link css-150s69f">exposure therapy</a> effective in overcoming their fears and reinforcing the idea that the feared situation is safe.</p></div><div><p><a href="https://psychcentral.com/anxiety/specific-phobia-treatment" class="content-link css-150s69f">Learn about treatments for specific phobias here.</a></p></div></div></article><span class="css-zya54r"></span></div><div><div class="css-w9ag5x"><div class="css-1xn3edc"><div aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="article-resources" class="css-1l48sh1" role="button"><p class="css-1dxissy"><span class="css-1p6d3md icon-hlvideo-minus"></span><span class="css-1p6d3md icon-hlvideo-plus"></span> <span class="css-1xdhyk6">8 sources</span><span class="sro">collapsed</span></p></div><div id="article-resources" role="region" class="css-1ugaz02"><ul class="css-1vedeqe"><li class="css-f6pdvi"><cite><span>American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (DSM-5). Washington, DC.</span><br/></cite></li><li class="css-f6pdvi"><cite><span><span class="s3">Anxiety disorders. (2018). </span></span><br/><a class="css-150s69f css-138ocmy" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/anxiety-disorders/index.shtml">https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/anxiety-disorders/index.shtml</a></cite></li><li class="css-f6pdvi"><cite><span><span class="s3">Eaton WW, et al. (2020). Specific phobias. </span></span><br/><a class="css-150s69f css-138ocmy" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7233312/">https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7233312/</a></cite></li><li class="css-f6pdvi"><cite><span><span class="s3">Facts & statistics. (n.d.). </span></span><br/><a class="css-150s69f css-138ocmy" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://adaa.org/about-adaa/press-room/facts-statistics">https://adaa.org/about-adaa/press-room/facts-statistics</a></cite></li><li class="css-f6pdvi"><cite><span>Impact of the DSM-IV to DSM-5 changes on the National Survey on Drug Use and Health. (2016).</span><br/><a class="css-150s69f css-138ocmy" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519704/table/ch3.t11/">https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519704/table/ch3.t11/</a></cite></li><li class="css-f6pdvi"><cite><span>Samra CK, et al. (2020). Specific phobias.</span><br/><a class="css-150s69f css-138ocmy" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499923/">https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499923/</a></cite></li><li class="css-f6pdvi"><cite><span><span class="s3">Specific phobia. (2017). </span></span><br/><a class="css-150s69f css-138ocmy" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/specific-phobia.shtml">https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/specific-phobia.shtml</a></cite></li><li class="css-f6pdvi"><cite><span><span class="s3">Symptoms. (n.d.). </span></span><br/><a class="css-150s69f css-138ocmy" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/specific-phobias/symptoms">https://adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/specific-phobias/symptoms</a></cite></li></ul></div></div><div class="css-1wkzy2"><div class="css-1ytasfq"><div class="button-wrapper print"><a class="css-1uhtj6l print button icon icon-hl-print" target="_blank" title="Print this page"></a></div><div class="button-wrapper facebook"><a class="css-1uhtj6l facebook button icon icon-hl-facebook" href="https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fanxiety%2Fspecific-phobia-symptoms%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dfacebook%26utm_campaign%3Dsocial-sharebar-referred-desktop" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank" title="Share on Facebook"></a></div><div class="button-wrapper twitter"><a class="css-1uhtj6l twitter button icon icon-hl-twitter" 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White, PhD, MS</a></span></span></div></section><p class=""><a class="css-onvglr" data-event="engagement|bottom page content promo click|/anxiety/generalized-anxiety-disorder-symptoms;engagement|bottom page content promo click index|2" data-element-event="INTERNAL LINK|FOOTER|Any Page|Read This Next|LINK|What Are the Symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder?|rn1" href="https://www.psychcentral.com/anxiety/generalized-anxiety-disorder-symptoms?utm_source=ReadNext" data-testid="text-link" data-ga4="Read Next button clicks" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Generalized anxiety disorder often comes on gradually and involves both physical and mental anxiety symptoms. 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But there are ways to cope.</a></p><a class="css-1culwpr css-2dy712" data-event="engagement|bottom page content promo click|/anxiety/coronavirus-anxiety-ways-to-cope-with-fear;engagement|bottom page content promo click index|3" data-element-event="INTERNAL LINK|FOOTER|Any Page|Read This Next|LINK|Coronavirus Anxiety: 7 Tips to Cope|rn2" href="https://www.psychcentral.com/anxiety/coronavirus-anxiety-ways-to-cope-with-fear?utm_source=ReadNext" data-ga4="Read Next button clicks">READ MORE<span class="icon-hl-arrow-right-bold selector css-2kgwd5"></span></a></div></div></div><section class="css-82r5pg css-1ub4i5m"><div data-empty="true" class="css-vhteyv"><div class="css-1hjaa0k"><span class="css-zya54r"></span></div><div id="DCMR2__slot" data-adbridg-ad-class="DCMR2" data-ad="true" class="css-prb4v6"></div></div></section></div></div></li><li class="css-12weawj"><div class="css-m260rd"><div class="css-1h1rean"><div class="css-1r7frvz"><div class="css-lm0pdr"><span style="font-size:0;line-height:0"></span><figure class="css-1e4ja14 css-f0t0lw"><a class="css-1uhtj6l" data-event="engagement|bottom page content promo click|/anxiety/social-anxiety-disorder-symptoms;engagement|bottom page content promo click index|4" data-element-event="INTERNAL LINK|FOOTER|Any Page|Read This Next|LINK|What Are the Symptoms of Social Anxiety?|rn3" href="https://www.psychcentral.com/anxiety/social-anxiety-disorder-symptoms?utm_source=ReadNext" aria-label="image-link" data-ga4="Read Next button clicks" data-testid="image-link" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"><div class="css-79elbk"><span class="css-rwmw5v css-1pf0x3y"><span class="css-1767n2d"><lazy-image alt="What Are the Symptoms of Social Anxiety?" src="https://media.post.rvohealth.io/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2021/01/Male_Sitting_Thinking_732x549-thumbnail-732x549.jpg" srcSet="https://media.post.rvohealth.io/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2021/01/Male_Sitting_Thinking_732x549-thumbnail-732x549.jpg 200w" className="css-1lyqwde"></lazy-image></span></span><span class="css-1fb1nmp"><span class="css-a10gts"></span></span></div></a></figure><div class="css-h0zs0i"><a class="css-11ivwxm" data-event="engagement|bottom page content promo click|/anxiety/social-anxiety-disorder-symptoms;engagement|bottom page content promo click index|4" data-element-event="INTERNAL LINK|FOOTER|Any Page|Read This Next|LINK|What Are the Symptoms of Social Anxiety?|rn3" href="https://www.psychcentral.com/anxiety/social-anxiety-disorder-symptoms?utm_source=ReadNext" data-testid="title-link" data-ga4="Read Next button clicks">What Are the Symptoms of Social Anxiety?</a><p class=""><a class="css-onvglr" data-event="engagement|bottom page content promo click|/anxiety/social-anxiety-disorder-symptoms;engagement|bottom page content promo click index|4" data-element-event="INTERNAL LINK|FOOTER|Any Page|Read This Next|LINK|What Are the Symptoms of Social Anxiety?|rn3" href="https://www.psychcentral.com/anxiety/social-anxiety-disorder-symptoms?utm_source=ReadNext" data-testid="text-link" data-ga4="Read Next button clicks" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">If social situations make you feel anxious and stressed, you could be experiencing social anxiety. Here’s how social anxiety symptoms impact your mind…</a></p><a class="css-1culwpr css-2dy712" data-event="engagement|bottom page content promo click|/anxiety/social-anxiety-disorder-symptoms;engagement|bottom page content promo click index|4" data-element-event="INTERNAL LINK|FOOTER|Any Page|Read This Next|LINK|What Are the Symptoms of Social Anxiety?|rn3" href="https://www.psychcentral.com/anxiety/social-anxiety-disorder-symptoms?utm_source=ReadNext" data-ga4="Read Next button clicks">READ MORE<span class="icon-hl-arrow-right-bold selector css-2kgwd5"></span></a></div></div></div><section class="css-82r5pg css-1ub4i5m"></section></div></div></li><li class="css-12weawj"><div class="css-m260rd"><div class="css-1h1rean"><div class="css-1r7frvz"><div class="css-lm0pdr"><span style="font-size:0;line-height:0"></span><figure class="css-1e4ja14 css-f0t0lw"><a class="css-1uhtj6l" data-event="engagement|bottom page content promo click|/anxiety/living-with-panic-attacks;engagement|bottom page content promo click index|5" data-element-event="INTERNAL LINK|FOOTER|Any Page|Read This Next|LINK|Experience Frequent Panic Attacks? You Might Be Living with Panic Disorder|rn4" href="https://www.psychcentral.com/anxiety/living-with-panic-attacks?utm_source=ReadNext" aria-label="image-link" data-ga4="Read Next button clicks" data-testid="image-link" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"><div class="css-79elbk"><span class="css-rwmw5v css-1pf0x3y"><span class="css-1767n2d"><lazy-image alt="Experience Frequent Panic Attacks? You Might Be Living with Panic Disorder" src="https://media.post.rvohealth.io/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2021/04/PC_Female_Couch_732x549-thumbnail.jpg" srcSet="https://media.post.rvohealth.io/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2021/04/PC_Female_Couch_732x549-thumbnail.jpg 200w" className="css-1lyqwde"></lazy-image></span></span><span class="css-1fb1nmp"><span class="css-a10gts"></span></span></div></a></figure><div class="css-h0zs0i"><a class="css-11ivwxm" data-event="engagement|bottom page content promo click|/anxiety/living-with-panic-attacks;engagement|bottom page content promo click index|5" data-element-event="INTERNAL LINK|FOOTER|Any Page|Read This Next|LINK|Experience Frequent Panic Attacks? You Might Be Living with Panic Disorder|rn4" href="https://www.psychcentral.com/anxiety/living-with-panic-attacks?utm_source=ReadNext" data-testid="title-link" data-ga4="Read Next button clicks">Experience Frequent Panic Attacks? You Might Be Living with Panic Disorder</a><section data-testid="byline" class="css-ymf4ha"><div class="css-1pz7193"><div class="css-xc63cd"><lazy-image alt="" src="//i0.wp.com/post.psychcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Jeffrey-Ditzell-New-Headshot-500x500-Bio.png?w=73&h=73"></lazy-image></div></div><div><span><span>Medically reviewed by <a class="css-150s69f css-130mbve" href="https://www.psychcentral.com/medical-team">Jeffrey Ditzell, DO</a></span></span></div></section><p class=""><a class="css-onvglr" data-event="engagement|bottom page content promo click|/anxiety/living-with-panic-attacks;engagement|bottom page content promo click index|5" data-element-event="INTERNAL LINK|FOOTER|Any Page|Read This Next|LINK|Experience Frequent Panic Attacks? You Might Be Living with Panic Disorder|rn4" href="https://www.psychcentral.com/anxiety/living-with-panic-attacks?utm_source=ReadNext" data-testid="text-link" data-ga4="Read Next button clicks" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">If you live with panic disorder, you might feel like fear of the next panic attack keeps you from living your life. How can coping strategies help?</a></p><a class="css-1culwpr css-2dy712" data-event="engagement|bottom page content promo click|/anxiety/living-with-panic-attacks;engagement|bottom page content promo click index|5" data-element-event="INTERNAL LINK|FOOTER|Any Page|Read This Next|LINK|Experience Frequent Panic Attacks? You Might Be Living with Panic Disorder|rn4" href="https://www.psychcentral.com/anxiety/living-with-panic-attacks?utm_source=ReadNext" data-ga4="Read Next button clicks">READ MORE<span class="icon-hl-arrow-right-bold selector css-2kgwd5"></span></a></div></div></div><section class="css-82r5pg css-1ub4i5m"></section></div></div></li><li class="css-12weawj"><div class="css-m260rd"><div class="css-1h1rean"><div class="css-1r7frvz"><div class="css-lm0pdr"><span style="font-size:0;line-height:0"></span><figure class="css-1e4ja14 css-f0t0lw"><a class="css-1uhtj6l" data-event="engagement|bottom page content promo click|/anxiety/panic-disorder-symptoms;engagement|bottom page content promo click index|6" data-element-event="INTERNAL LINK|FOOTER|Any Page|Read This Next|LINK|Panic Disorder Symptoms|rn5" href="https://www.psychcentral.com/anxiety/panic-disorder-symptoms?utm_source=ReadNext" aria-label="image-link" data-ga4="Read Next button clicks" data-testid="image-link" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"><div class="css-79elbk"><span class="css-rwmw5v css-1pf0x3y"><span class="css-1767n2d"><lazy-image alt="Panic Disorder Symptoms" src="https://media.post.rvohealth.io/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2021/02/Female_Looking_Up_732x549-thumbnail-732x549.jpg" srcSet="https://media.post.rvohealth.io/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2021/02/Female_Looking_Up_732x549-thumbnail-732x549.jpg 200w" className="css-1lyqwde"></lazy-image></span></span><span class="css-1fb1nmp"><span class="css-a10gts"></span></span></div></a></figure><div class="css-h0zs0i"><a class="css-11ivwxm" data-event="engagement|bottom page content promo click|/anxiety/panic-disorder-symptoms;engagement|bottom page content promo click index|6" data-element-event="INTERNAL LINK|FOOTER|Any Page|Read This Next|LINK|Panic Disorder Symptoms|rn5" href="https://www.psychcentral.com/anxiety/panic-disorder-symptoms?utm_source=ReadNext" data-testid="title-link" data-ga4="Read Next button clicks">Panic Disorder Symptoms</a><section data-testid="byline" class="css-ymf4ha"><div class="css-1pz7193"><div class="css-xc63cd"><lazy-image alt="" src="//i0.wp.com/post.psychcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Akilah-Reynolds-500x500-Bio.png?w=73&h=73"></lazy-image></div></div><div><span><span>Medically reviewed by <a class="css-150s69f css-130mbve" href="https://www.psychcentral.com/medical-team">Akilah Reynolds, PhD</a></span></span></div></section><p class=""><a class="css-onvglr" data-event="engagement|bottom page content promo click|/anxiety/panic-disorder-symptoms;engagement|bottom page content promo click index|6" data-element-event="INTERNAL LINK|FOOTER|Any Page|Read This Next|LINK|Panic Disorder Symptoms|rn5" href="https://www.psychcentral.com/anxiety/panic-disorder-symptoms?utm_source=ReadNext" data-testid="text-link" data-ga4="Read Next button clicks" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">People with panic disorder have feelings of intense fear that strike suddenly and repeatedly without warning. The frequency and severity of panic…</a></p><a class="css-1culwpr css-2dy712" data-event="engagement|bottom page content promo click|/anxiety/panic-disorder-symptoms;engagement|bottom page content promo click index|6" data-element-event="INTERNAL LINK|FOOTER|Any Page|Read This Next|LINK|Panic Disorder Symptoms|rn5" href="https://www.psychcentral.com/anxiety/panic-disorder-symptoms?utm_source=ReadNext" data-ga4="Read Next button clicks">READ MORE<span class="icon-hl-arrow-right-bold selector css-2kgwd5"></span></a></div></div></div><section class="css-82r5pg css-1ub4i5m"></section></div></div></li><li class="css-12weawj"><div class="css-m260rd"><div class="css-1h1rean"><div class="css-1r7frvz"><div class="css-lm0pdr"><span style="font-size:0;line-height:0"></span><figure class="css-1e4ja14 css-f0t0lw"><a class="css-1uhtj6l" data-event="engagement|bottom page content promo click|/anxiety/specific-phobia-treatment;engagement|bottom page content promo click index|7" data-element-event="INTERNAL LINK|FOOTER|Any Page|Read This Next|LINK|Specific Phobia Treatment|rn6" href="https://www.psychcentral.com/anxiety/specific-phobia-treatment?utm_source=ReadNext" aria-label="image-link" data-ga4="Read Next button clicks" data-testid="image-link" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"><div class="css-79elbk"><span class="css-rwmw5v css-1pf0x3y"><span class="css-1767n2d"><lazy-image alt="Specific Phobia Treatment" src="https://media.post.rvohealth.io/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2021/06/virtual-reality-helmet-multicolored-background-732x549-thumbnail.jpg" srcSet="https://media.post.rvohealth.io/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2021/06/virtual-reality-helmet-multicolored-background-732x549-thumbnail.jpg 200w" className="css-1lyqwde"></lazy-image></span></span><span class="css-1fb1nmp"><span class="css-a10gts"></span></span></div></a></figure><div class="css-h0zs0i"><a class="css-11ivwxm" data-event="engagement|bottom page content promo click|/anxiety/specific-phobia-treatment;engagement|bottom page content promo click index|7" data-element-event="INTERNAL LINK|FOOTER|Any Page|Read This Next|LINK|Specific Phobia Treatment|rn6" href="https://www.psychcentral.com/anxiety/specific-phobia-treatment?utm_source=ReadNext" data-testid="title-link" data-ga4="Read Next button clicks">Specific Phobia Treatment</a><p class=""><a class="css-onvglr" data-event="engagement|bottom page content promo click|/anxiety/specific-phobia-treatment;engagement|bottom page content promo click index|7" data-element-event="INTERNAL LINK|FOOTER|Any Page|Read This Next|LINK|Specific Phobia Treatment|rn6" href="https://www.psychcentral.com/anxiety/specific-phobia-treatment?utm_source=ReadNext" data-testid="text-link" data-ga4="Read Next button clicks" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Having a phobia can be exhausting and scary at times. But there are many ways you can help ease your anxiety and fear.</a></p><a class="css-1culwpr css-2dy712" data-event="engagement|bottom page content promo click|/anxiety/specific-phobia-treatment;engagement|bottom page content promo click index|7" data-element-event="INTERNAL LINK|FOOTER|Any Page|Read This Next|LINK|Specific Phobia Treatment|rn6" href="https://www.psychcentral.com/anxiety/specific-phobia-treatment?utm_source=ReadNext" data-ga4="Read Next button clicks">READ MORE<span class="icon-hl-arrow-right-bold selector css-2kgwd5"></span></a></div></div></div><section class="css-82r5pg css-1ub4i5m"></section></div></div></li><li class="css-12weawj"><div class="css-m260rd"><div class="css-1h1rean"><div class="css-1r7frvz"><div class="css-lm0pdr"><span style="font-size:0;line-height:0"></span><figure class="css-1e4ja14 css-f0t0lw"><a class="css-1uhtj6l" data-event="engagement|bottom page content promo click|/anxiety/tips-to-help-manage-anxiety;engagement|bottom page content promo click index|8" data-element-event="INTERNAL LINK|FOOTER|Any Page|Read This Next|LINK|Tips to Help Manage Anxiety|rn7" href="https://www.psychcentral.com/anxiety/tips-to-help-manage-anxiety?utm_source=ReadNext" aria-label="image-link" data-ga4="Read Next button clicks" data-testid="image-link" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"><div class="css-79elbk"><span class="css-rwmw5v css-1pf0x3y"><span class="css-1767n2d"><lazy-image alt="Tips to Help Manage Anxiety" src="https://media.post.rvohealth.io/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2021/08/adult-woman-sleeping-napping-on-couch-colorful-blanket-pillow-732x549-thumbnail-732x549.jpg" srcSet="https://media.post.rvohealth.io/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2021/08/adult-woman-sleeping-napping-on-couch-colorful-blanket-pillow-732x549-thumbnail-732x549.jpg 200w" className="css-1lyqwde"></lazy-image></span></span><span class="css-1fb1nmp"><span class="css-a10gts"></span></span></div></a></figure><div class="css-h0zs0i"><a class="css-11ivwxm" data-event="engagement|bottom page content promo click|/anxiety/tips-to-help-manage-anxiety;engagement|bottom page content promo click index|8" data-element-event="INTERNAL LINK|FOOTER|Any Page|Read This Next|LINK|Tips to Help Manage Anxiety|rn7" href="https://www.psychcentral.com/anxiety/tips-to-help-manage-anxiety?utm_source=ReadNext" data-testid="title-link" data-ga4="Read Next button clicks">Tips to Help Manage Anxiety</a><section data-testid="byline" class="css-ymf4ha"><div class="css-1pz7193"><div class="css-xc63cd"><lazy-image alt="" src="//i0.wp.com/post.psychcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Karin-Gepp-500x500-Bio.png?w=73&h=73"></lazy-image></div></div><div><span><span>Medically reviewed by <a class="css-150s69f css-130mbve" href="https://www.psychcentral.com/medical-team">Karin Gepp, PsyD</a></span></span></div></section><p class=""><a class="css-onvglr" data-event="engagement|bottom page content promo click|/anxiety/tips-to-help-manage-anxiety;engagement|bottom page content promo click index|8" data-element-event="INTERNAL LINK|FOOTER|Any Page|Read This Next|LINK|Tips to Help Manage Anxiety|rn7" href="https://www.psychcentral.com/anxiety/tips-to-help-manage-anxiety?utm_source=ReadNext" data-testid="text-link" data-ga4="Read Next button clicks" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">No matter the cause of your anxiety or how it happens, there are ways you can manage it and ease your symptoms.</a></p><a class="css-1culwpr css-2dy712" data-event="engagement|bottom page content promo click|/anxiety/tips-to-help-manage-anxiety;engagement|bottom page content promo click index|8" data-element-event="INTERNAL LINK|FOOTER|Any Page|Read This Next|LINK|Tips to Help Manage Anxiety|rn7" href="https://www.psychcentral.com/anxiety/tips-to-help-manage-anxiety?utm_source=ReadNext" data-ga4="Read Next button clicks">READ MORE<span class="icon-hl-arrow-right-bold selector css-2kgwd5"></span></a></div></div></div><section class="css-82r5pg css-1ub4i5m"></section></div></div></li><li class="css-12weawj"><div class="css-m260rd"><div class="css-1h1rean"><div class="css-1r7frvz"><div class="css-lm0pdr"><span style="font-size:0;line-height:0"></span><figure class="css-1e4ja14 css-f0t0lw"><a class="css-1uhtj6l" data-event="engagement|bottom page content promo click|/health/teraphobia;engagement|bottom page content promo click index|9" data-element-event="INTERNAL LINK|FOOTER|Any Page|Read This Next|LINK|Understanding Teraphobia (Fear of Monsters)|rn8" href="https://www.psychcentral.com/health/teraphobia?utm_source=ReadNext" aria-label="image-link" data-ga4="Read Next button clicks" data-testid="image-link" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"><div class="css-79elbk"><span class="css-rwmw5v css-1pf0x3y"><span class="css-1767n2d"><lazy-image alt="Understanding Teraphobia (Fear of Monsters)" src="https://media.post.rvohealth.io/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/06/angry-toy-lizard-monster-on-floor-732x549-thumbnail.jpg" srcSet="https://media.post.rvohealth.io/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/06/angry-toy-lizard-monster-on-floor-732x549-thumbnail.jpg 200w" className="css-1lyqwde"></lazy-image></span></span><span class="css-1fb1nmp"><span class="css-a10gts"></span></span></div></a></figure><div class="css-h0zs0i"><a class="css-11ivwxm" data-event="engagement|bottom page content promo click|/health/teraphobia;engagement|bottom page content promo click index|9" data-element-event="INTERNAL LINK|FOOTER|Any Page|Read This Next|LINK|Understanding Teraphobia (Fear of Monsters)|rn8" href="https://www.psychcentral.com/health/teraphobia?utm_source=ReadNext" data-testid="title-link" data-ga4="Read Next button clicks">Understanding Teraphobia (Fear of Monsters)</a><section data-testid="byline" class="css-ymf4ha"><div class="css-1pz7193"><div class="css-xc63cd"><lazy-image alt="" src="//i0.wp.com/post.psychcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Taft_Headshot_2023.png?w=73&h=73"></lazy-image></div></div><div><span><span>Medically reviewed by <a class="css-150s69f css-130mbve" href="https://www.psychcentral.com/medical-team">Tiffany Taft, PsyD</a></span></span></div></section><p class=""><a class="css-onvglr" data-event="engagement|bottom page content promo click|/health/teraphobia;engagement|bottom page content promo click index|9" data-element-event="INTERNAL LINK|FOOTER|Any Page|Read This Next|LINK|Understanding Teraphobia (Fear of Monsters)|rn8" href="https://www.psychcentral.com/health/teraphobia?utm_source=ReadNext" data-testid="text-link" data-ga4="Read Next button clicks" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Teraphobia is an intense, irrational fear of monsters or mythical creatures. For some, this fear may persist, becoming a more significant issue.</a></p><a class="css-1culwpr css-2dy712" data-event="engagement|bottom page content promo click|/health/teraphobia;engagement|bottom page content promo click index|9" data-element-event="INTERNAL LINK|FOOTER|Any Page|Read This Next|LINK|Understanding Teraphobia (Fear of Monsters)|rn8" href="https://www.psychcentral.com/health/teraphobia?utm_source=ReadNext" data-ga4="Read Next button clicks">READ MORE<span class="icon-hl-arrow-right-bold selector css-2kgwd5"></span></a></div></div></div><section class="css-82r5pg css-1ub4i5m"></section></div></div></li><li class="css-12weawj"><div class="css-m260rd"><div class="css-1h1rean"><div class="css-1r7frvz"><div class="css-lm0pdr"><span style="font-size:0;line-height:0"></span><figure class="css-1e4ja14 css-f0t0lw"><a class="css-1uhtj6l" data-event="engagement|bottom page content promo click|/health/phasmophobia-meaning;engagement|bottom page content promo click index|10" data-element-event="INTERNAL LINK|FOOTER|Any Page|Read This Next|LINK|Phasmophobia: Coping with the Fear of Ghosts|rn9" href="https://www.psychcentral.com/health/phasmophobia-meaning?utm_source=ReadNext" aria-label="image-link" data-ga4="Read Next button clicks" data-testid="image-link" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"><div class="css-79elbk"><span class="css-rwmw5v css-1pf0x3y"><span class="css-1767n2d"><lazy-image alt="Phasmophobia: Coping with the Fear of Ghosts" src="https://media.post.rvohealth.io/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2023/10/ghost-jack-o-lantern-pumpkin-halloween-street-decorations-outdoors-steps-732x549-thumbnail.jpg" srcSet="https://media.post.rvohealth.io/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2023/10/ghost-jack-o-lantern-pumpkin-halloween-street-decorations-outdoors-steps-732x549-thumbnail.jpg 200w" className="css-1lyqwde"></lazy-image></span></span><span class="css-1fb1nmp"><span class="css-a10gts"></span></span></div></a></figure><div class="css-h0zs0i"><a class="css-11ivwxm" data-event="engagement|bottom page content promo click|/health/phasmophobia-meaning;engagement|bottom page content promo click index|10" data-element-event="INTERNAL LINK|FOOTER|Any Page|Read This Next|LINK|Phasmophobia: Coping with the Fear of Ghosts|rn9" href="https://www.psychcentral.com/health/phasmophobia-meaning?utm_source=ReadNext" data-testid="title-link" data-ga4="Read Next button clicks">Phasmophobia: Coping with the Fear of Ghosts</a><p class=""><a class="css-onvglr" data-event="engagement|bottom page content promo click|/health/phasmophobia-meaning;engagement|bottom page content promo click index|10" data-element-event="INTERNAL LINK|FOOTER|Any Page|Read This Next|LINK|Phasmophobia: Coping with the Fear of Ghosts|rn9" href="https://www.psychcentral.com/health/phasmophobia-meaning?utm_source=ReadNext" data-testid="text-link" data-ga4="Read Next button clicks" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Phasmophobia is an intense fear or anxiety related to ghosts or supernatural entities. But tips, like gradual exposure and mindfulness, may help you…</a></p><a class="css-1culwpr css-2dy712" data-event="engagement|bottom page content promo click|/health/phasmophobia-meaning;engagement|bottom page content promo click index|10" data-element-event="INTERNAL LINK|FOOTER|Any Page|Read This Next|LINK|Phasmophobia: Coping with the Fear of Ghosts|rn9" href="https://www.psychcentral.com/health/phasmophobia-meaning?utm_source=ReadNext" data-ga4="Read Next button clicks">READ MORE<span class="icon-hl-arrow-right-bold selector css-2kgwd5"></span></a></div></div></div><section class="css-82r5pg css-1ub4i5m"></section></div></div></li></ul></div></div></div><span class="css-zya54r"></span><span class="css-zya54r"></span></div><div class="css-i9gxme"></div><footer class="css-irobah"><div class="css-1dppxl0"><hl-social-nav></hl-social-nav><div class="css-1b2ri56"><div class="css-uktbta css-ck5ydc"><hl-newsletter-cta buttonText="SIGN UP" source="footer_widget" subscribeEventTracking="Newsletter Acquisition|footer_widget|submit" className="css-13njx2h" category="Newsletter Acquisition" formatType="footer" name="footer_widget" productId="footer_widget" variant="footer_widget"></hl-newsletter-cta></div><div class="css-uktbta"><div class="css-1xceiwh"><div class="css-10ohy14"><ul class="css-lb03wr css-3o9pqj"><li class="css-3gcukm"><a class="css-3ivp9j" href="https://www.psychcentral.com/about">About Us</a></li><li class="css-3gcukm"><a class="css-3ivp9j" href="https://www.psychcentral.com/about/contact-us">Contact Us</a></li><li class="css-3gcukm"><a class="css-3ivp9j" href="https://www.psychcentral.com/about/terms">Terms of Use</a></li><li class="css-3gcukm"><a class="css-3ivp9j" href="https://www.psychcentral.com/about/privacy">Privacy policy</a></li><li class="css-3gcukm"><button id="privacy-settings-one-trust" title="Privacy Settings" class="css-e8ew9s">Privacy Settings</button></li><li class="css-3gcukm"><a class="css-3ivp9j" href="https://www.psychcentral.com/about/advertising-policy">Advertising Policy</a></li></ul><ul class="css-lb03wr css-upe1zs"><li class="css-3gcukm"><a class="css-3ivp9j" href="https://www.psychcentral.com/about/medical-team">Medical Affairs</a></li><li class="css-3gcukm"><a class="css-3ivp9j" href="https://www.psychcentral.com/about/content-integrity">Content Integrity</a></li><li class="css-3gcukm"><a class="css-3ivp9j" href="https://www.psychcentral.com/newsletter">Newsletter</a></li><li class="css-3gcukm"><a class="css-3ivp9j" href="https://www.psychcentral.com/find-help">Find a Therapist</a></li><li class="css-3gcukm css-jwb353"><div class="css-16bllps css-1xdhyk6">© 2024 Psych Central, a Healthline Media Company. 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</script><script src="https://rvo-cohesion.psychcentral.com/cohesion/cohesion-tpo.min.js?cDomain=psychcentral.com" async=""></script><link href="https://c.aps.amazon-adsystem.com" rel="preconnect" crossorigin="true"/><script src="https://c.aps.amazon-adsystem.com/apstag.js" async=""></script><script>module={};__NEXT_DATA__={"buildId":"de4d8a1a-d540-4dd6-b7d5-736f64912cc6","props":{"ga":{"k1":"phobias","k2":"mentalhealth","kmeta":"vraylar24bp","contentType":"Tabbed Article","author":"Jamie Smith","articleType":"regular","sponsoredProgramId":"","articleId":"psy-9200","mainContentCategoryTags":"","publishedDate":"2021-01-22","updatedDate":"2021-10-27","category":"Uncategorized","subcategory":"","trackingTerms":"","ek1":"3958c9d774c8e1","ekmeta":"3f42c7cc71c8e0cfe48176,","contentForm":"Non-Head Term","type":"healthfeature"},"lang":"en","data":{"k1":"phobias","sideEffectsWidget":{},"livedExperience":{},"shareYourExperience":{},"drugSavingsData":null,"comments":[],"topComments":[],"id":"psy-9200","title":["What Are the Symptoms of Specific Phobias?"],"articleHistory":{"2017-03-03":{"updateReason":[],"authors":"John M. Grohol, Psy.D.","medicallyReviewedBy":"Scientific Advisory Board"},"2021-01-22":{"updateReason":[],"authors":"Jamie Smith","editor":"Jamie Smith","copyEditor":"Douglas Backstrom","medicallyReviewedBy":"Jacquelyn Johnson, PsyD."}},"updateReason":[],"isFeature":false,"isPaidMedia":false,"isEditorialPaidMedia":false,"isTransactionalPaidMedia":false,"authors":[{"id":899,"name":{"display":"Jamie Smith","first":"Jamie","last":"Smith"},"link":"/authors/jamie-smith","type":{"value":"author","label":"Author"},"nid":"","specialties":[],"guestTitle":"","bio":{"text":"\u003cp\u003eJamie is a writer, editor, and researcher with a PhD in psychology, with main interests including mental health advocacy, LGBTQIA+ advocacy, and trauma-informed practice. Jamie believes in the healing power of breaking down stigma and the importance of validating people’s lived experiences.\u003c/p\u003e\n"},"avatar":{"title":"","width":500,"height":500,"src":"https://post.psychcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2021/02/MNT-Bio1-500x500-1.png"},"bioBlurb":{"nodes":["Jamie is a writer, editor, and researcher with a PhD in psychology, with main interests including mental health advocacy, LGBTQIA+ advocacy, and trauma-informed…"]}}],"medicalReviewers":[{"id":3973,"name":{"display":"Jacquelyn Johnson, PsyD.","first":"Jacquelyn","last":"Johnson, PsyD."},"userLogin":"jajohnson","links":{"website":"http://www.deeplyseenpsych.com/","facebook":"","linkedin":"https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjcjohnson/","twitter":"","instagram":"","tiktok":""},"link":"/reviewers/jacquelyn-johnson-psyd","type":{"value":"medical_reviewer","label":"Medical Advisor"},"nid":"164545","specialties":[],"guestTitle":"","bio":{"text":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThis individual is no longer a medical reviewer in our network. The credentials and contact information reflected here may not be current.\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eDr. Jacquelyn Johnson is a licensed clinical psychologist. She is in private practice in California and she specializes in issues specific to high-performing African American women, such as contending with the strong Black woman trope.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEducation\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eGrambling State University, BS\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eFuller Theological Seminary, MS\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eUniversity of La Verne, MS, PsyD\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCertifications\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eCalifornia Licensed Psychologist\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAffiliations\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://www.apa.org/\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eAmerican Psychological Association (APA)\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n"},"avatar":{"title":"","width":500,"height":500,"src":"https://post.psychcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Jacquelyn-Johnson-500x500-Bio.png"},"bioBlurb":{"nodes":["This individual is no longer a medical reviewer in our network. The credentials and contact information reflected here may not be current. Dr. Jacquelyn Johnson…"]}}],"editors":[{"role":"Editor","name":{"display":"Jamie Smith"}}],"pinterestImage":{"path":"https://media.post.rvohealth.io/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2021/01/Female_Hair_Hand_732x549-thumbnail.jpg"},"hideFeedback":false,"isMedicare":false,"isBlog":false,"publishSource":"wordpress","isAmpSupported":false,"categories":[{"name":"Uncategorized","slug":"uncategorized","link":"/uncategorized","children":[]}],"language":{"en":"https://psychcentral.com/anxiety/specific-phobia-symptoms/","x-default":"https://psychcentral.com/anxiety/specific-phobia-symptoms/","current":"en"},"lang":"en","links":[],"colorScheme":"default","isContentSeries":false,"brandCTAs":[],"clusterNavLinks":[],"clusterUrls":[],"clusterLinks":{},"pathingTilesData":{},"pathingCardsData":{},"inArticlePathingCardsData":[],"quantitativeTrustData":{},"isPrependRecipeH2":false,"recipes":[],"hideTabs":false,"tabs":[{"id":"_noHeaderPrefixedContent","title":null,"header":null,"body":[{"tagName":"div","source":"\u003cp class=\"css-w2pt6r\"\u003eA specific phobia is an intense fear about an object or situation. Phobias involve symptoms of both anxiety and avoidance.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"tagName":"p","source":"\u003ca href=\"https://psychcentral.com/lib/facts-about-phobias#1\" class=\"content-link css-150s69f\"\u003ePhobias\u003c/a\u003e aren’t just extreme fears — they’re irrational fears. This means that the anxious feelings are larger than the true danger that the object or situation poses. "},{"tagName":"div","attributes":{"data-preamp":"serena-chatbot"},"source":""},{"tagName":"p","source":"For example, if you fear heights, you might feel extreme anxiety or panic if you go above the 10th floor of an office building. This would be an irrational fear, as the building would have multiple security measures in place to keep you safe."},{"tagName":"p","source":"Specific phobias are widespread. In fact, they’re one of the most common anxiety disorders in the United States, affecting an estimated \u003ca href=\"https://adaa.org/about-adaa/press-room/facts-statistics\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" class=\"content-link css-150s69f\"\u003e19 million adults\u003c/a\u003e, or 8.7 percent of the population."},{"tagName":"p","source":"This article looks at the symptoms of specific phobias, the most common types, and other phobia-related conditions."}]},{"id":"symptoms","title":"Symptoms","isCollapsable":false,"header":["Symptoms of specific phobias"],"body":[{"tagName":"p","source":"If you have a specific phobia, you probably realize that your fears are irrational. However, facing or even thinking about facing the object or situation can bring on a \u003ca href=\"https://psychcentral.com/anxiety/panic-attack-symptoms\" class=\"content-link css-150s69f\"\u003epanic attack\u003c/a\u003e or intense anxiety."},{"tagName":"p","source":"The symptoms of specific phobias usually first appear in adolescence or adulthood, with an average onset of \u003ca href=\"https://adaa.org/about-adaa/press-room/facts-statistics\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" class=\"content-link css-150s69f\"\u003e7 years old\u003c/a\u003e. Children’s fears often disappear by themselves, but in some, they persist into adulthood."},{"tagName":"p","source":"According to the latest edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders (DSM-5), the symptoms associated with specific phobias — fear, anxiety, and avoidance — persist for \u003chl-trusted-source source=\"PubMed Central\" rationale=\"Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519704/table/ch3.t11/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" class=\"content-link css-150s69f\"\u003e6 months or more\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/hl-trusted-source\u003e. Without treatment, they can persist for years or decades."},{"tagName":"p","source":"Your symptoms may range from mild to severe. How often they arise depends partly on how often you encounter the feared object or situation. Even if encounters are rare, the anticipation of this event can provoke an anxious response."},{"tagName":"p","source":"As with other anxiety disorders, the symptoms of specific phobias can be both physical and psychological."}]},{"id":"physical","title":"Physical","isCollapsable":false,"header":["Physical symptoms"],"body":[{"tagName":"p","source":"In people with a phobia, seeing or thinking about a feared object or situation activates the body’s defense system, known as the \u003ca href=\"https://psychcentral.com/blog/whats-the-purpose-of-the-fight-or-flight-response#1\" class=\"content-link css-150s69f\"\u003efight-or-flight response\u003c/a\u003e."},{"tagName":"p","source":"This is a natural response in humans and animals. It aims to prepare the body for danger. This response gets triggered when the body thinks it detects a threat."},{"tagName":"p","source":"Common physical symptoms related to specific phobias include:"},{"tagName":"ul","source":"\u003cli\u003eheart palpitations\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003esweating\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eshaking\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003echills or hot flushes\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eshortness of breath or feeling smothered\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003echest pain or discomfort\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003efeeling nauseated \u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003edizziness\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003efeeling lightheaded\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003efainting\u003c/li\u003e"},{"tagName":"p","source":"Children may express their anxiety differently than adults with behaviors that include:"},{"tagName":"ul","source":"\u003cli\u003ecrying\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003etantrums\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003efreezing, or becoming very still despite feeling very anxious on the inside\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eclinging to a caregiver\u003c/li\u003e"}]},{"id":"mental","title":"Mental","isCollapsable":false,"header":["Psychological symptoms"],"body":[{"tagName":"p","source":"Psychological symptoms of specific phobias include:"},{"tagName":"ul","source":"\u003cli\u003ea feeling of imminent danger or doom\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003efeeling the need to escape\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eintense discomfort\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003ea fear of losing control\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003ea sense of things being unreal, known as depersonalization\u003c/li\u003e"},{"tagName":"p","source":"Some people often avoid situations or places where they may encounter their fear. "},{"tagName":"p","source":"Phobias can significantly impact your work, social, and home lives, and your relationships."},{"tagName":"p","source":"For example, a phobia may prevent you from visiting parks because of a fear of dogs, or you might turn down a promotion because the new position involves train or plane travel."},{"tagName":"p","source":"The avoidance and anxious anticipation of the feared situation can lead to significant distress about having the phobia in the first place. "},{"tagName":"p","source":"It can even lead to shame and guilt, especially if you find that others don’t understand your feelings."}]},{"id":"common-phobias","title":"Common phobias","isCollapsable":false,"header":["Common specific phobias"],"body":[{"tagName":"p","source":"Anxiety disorders, which include specific phobias, are very common. In fact, the \u003chl-trusted-source source=\"National Institute of Mental Health\" rationale=\"Governmental authority\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/any-anxiety-disorder.shtml\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" class=\"content-link css-150s69f\"\u003eNational Institutes of Mental Health (NIMH)\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/hl-trusted-source\u003e estimates that almost one-third of adults in the United States will experience an anxiety disorder during their lifetimes."},{"tagName":"p","source":"Some specific phobias are more common than others. Women are \u003ca href=\"https://adaa.org/about-adaa/press-room/facts-statistics\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" class=\"content-link css-150s69f\"\u003etwice as likely\u003c/a\u003e to have specific phobias as men."},{"tagName":"p","source":"According to the \u003ca href=\"https://adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/specific-phobias\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" class=\"content-link css-150s69f\"\u003eAnxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA)\u003c/a\u003e and the \u003chl-trusted-source source=\"National Institute of Mental Health\" rationale=\"Governmental authority\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/anxiety-disorders/index.shtml\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" class=\"content-link css-150s69f\"\u003eNIMH\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/hl-trusted-source\u003e, common specific phobias include a fear of:"},{"tagName":"ul","source":"\u003cli\u003eanimals, such as spiders, snakes, dogs, or insects\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eheights\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eflying\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003ereceiving injections\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eblood\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003egerms\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003ethunder\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003edriving\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003epublic transport\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eelevators\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003edental or medical procedures\u003c/li\u003e"},{"tagName":"p","source":"It’s common for people to have multiple specific phobias. According to the DSM-5, around 75 percent of those with specific phobia fear more than one situation or object, with an average of three fears."}]},{"id":"other-conditions","title":"Other conditions","isCollapsable":false,"header":["Other phobia-related conditions"],"body":[{"tagName":"p","source":"Not all phobias are specific phobias. The NIMH describes the following conditions as phobia-related disorders:"},{"tagName":"ul","source":"\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://psychcentral.com/anxiety/social-anxiety-disorder-symptoms\" class=\"content-link css-150s69f\"\u003eSocial anxiety disorder\u003c/a\u003e, previously known as social phobia, is an intense fear of social situations or performance situations.\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://psychcentral.com/anxiety/agoraphobia-symptoms\" class=\"content-link css-150s69f\"\u003eAgoraphobia\u003c/a\u003e is a fear of being in a situation where you might find it difficult to escape. This might include open spaces, enclosed spaces, or public transport. \u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://psychcentral.com/disorders/separation-anxiety-disorder-symptoms\" class=\"content-link css-150s69f\"\u003eSeparation anxiety disorder\u003c/a\u003e involves intense anxiety about being separated from a major attachment figure in your life.\u003c/li\u003e"},{"tagName":"p","source":"For some people, the symptoms can be explained by a different anxiety disorder, such as \u003ca href=\"https://psychcentral.com/ocd\" class=\"content-link css-150s69f\"\u003eobsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)\u003c/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"https://psychcentral.com/ptsd\" class=\"content-link css-150s69f\"\u003epost-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)\u003c/a\u003e. "},{"tagName":"p","source":"Having a specific phobia can predict the development of other anxiety, mood, or substance use disorders. That said, specific phobias are treatable, and early treatment may reduce the risk of other mental health conditions."}]},{"id":"what-to-do","title":"What to do","isCollapsable":false,"header":["What can I do about my phobia?"],"body":[{"tagName":"p","source":"The good news is that phobias are highly treatable using relaxation methods and behavioral therapies."},{"tagName":"p","source":"Though we can’t always stop our anxiety from making an appearance, we can take steps to notice our symptoms and regain control when they arise."},{"tagName":"p","source":"Many people find that talking with a therapist can help. You can do this in whatever way works best for you, whether that’s in person, on the phone, or using video chat."},{"tagName":"p","source":"Also, many people find \u003ca href=\"https://psychcentral.com/lib/in-depth-cognitive-behavioral-therapy#1\" class=\"content-link css-150s69f\"\u003ecognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)\u003c/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"https://psychcentral.com/lib/what-is-exposure-therapy#1\" class=\"content-link css-150s69f\"\u003eexposure therapy\u003c/a\u003e effective in overcoming their fears and reinforcing the idea that the feared situation is safe."},{"tagName":"p","source":"\u003ca href=\"https://psychcentral.com/anxiety/specific-phobia-treatment\" class=\"content-link css-150s69f\"\u003eLearn about treatments for specific phobias here.\u003c/a\u003e"}]}],"hasAffiliateLinks":false,"affiliates":[],"propsFor":{"articleResources":[{"title":{"tagName":"span","source":"American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (DSM-5). Washington, DC."}},{"displayLink":"nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/anxiety-disorders/index.shtml","link":"https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/anxiety-disorders/index.shtml","title":{"tagName":"span","source":"\u003cspan class=\"s3\"\u003eAnxiety disorders. (2018). \u003c/span\u003e"}},{"displayLink":"ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7233312/","link":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7233312/","title":{"tagName":"span","source":"\u003cspan class=\"s3\"\u003eEaton WW, et al. (2020). Specific phobias. \u003c/span\u003e"}},{"displayLink":"adaa.org/about-adaa/press-room/facts-statistics","link":"https://adaa.org/about-adaa/press-room/facts-statistics","title":{"tagName":"span","source":"\u003cspan class=\"s3\"\u003eFacts \u0026amp; statistics. (n.d.). \u003c/span\u003e"}},{"displayLink":"ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519704/table/ch3.t11/","link":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519704/table/ch3.t11/","title":{"tagName":"span","source":"Impact of the DSM-IV to DSM-5 changes on the National Survey on Drug Use and Health. (2016)."}},{"displayLink":"ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499923/","link":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499923/","title":{"tagName":"span","source":"Samra CK, et al. (2020). Specific phobias."}},{"displayLink":"nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/specific-phobia.shtml","link":"https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/specific-phobia.shtml","title":{"tagName":"span","source":"\u003cspan class=\"s3\"\u003eSpecific phobia. (2017). \u003c/span\u003e"}},{"displayLink":"adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/specific-phobias/symptoms","link":"https://adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/specific-phobias/symptoms","title":{"tagName":"span","source":"\u003cspan class=\"s3\"\u003eSymptoms. (n.d.). \u003c/span\u003e"}}],"byline":{"authors":[{"id":899,"name":{"display":"Jamie Smith","first":"Jamie","last":"Smith"},"link":"/authors/jamie-smith","type":{"value":"author","label":"Author"},"nid":"","specialties":[],"guestTitle":"","bio":{"text":"\u003cp\u003eJamie is a writer, editor, and researcher with a PhD in psychology, with main interests including mental health advocacy, LGBTQIA+ advocacy, and trauma-informed practice. Jamie believes in the healing power of breaking down stigma and the importance of validating people’s lived experiences.\u003c/p\u003e\n"},"avatar":{"title":"","width":500,"height":500,"src":"https://post.psychcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2021/02/MNT-Bio1-500x500-1.png"}}],"medicalReviewers":[{"id":3973,"name":{"display":"Jacquelyn Johnson, PsyD.","first":"Jacquelyn","last":"Johnson, PsyD."},"userLogin":"jajohnson","links":{"website":"http://www.deeplyseenpsych.com/","facebook":"","linkedin":"https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjcjohnson/","twitter":"","instagram":"","tiktok":""},"link":"/reviewers/jacquelyn-johnson-psyd","type":{"value":"medical_reviewer","label":"Medical Advisor"},"nid":"164545","specialties":[],"guestTitle":"","bio":{"text":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThis individual is no longer a medical reviewer in our network. The credentials and contact information reflected here may not be current.\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eDr. Jacquelyn Johnson is a licensed clinical psychologist. 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