What are Phobias?

Phobias are intense, irrational fears of specific objects, situations, or activities that usually pose little or no actual danger. Unlike ordinary fears, phobias can cause extreme anxiety and may lead people to go out of their way to avoid the source of their fear. Common examples include fear of heights (acrophobia), spiders (arachnophobia), or flying (aviophobia), but phobias can and do develop around almost anything.

There are three main types of phobias: specific phobias (ie flying or spiders), social phobia (meeting and speaking to people), and agoraphobia, which involves fear of places where escape might be difficult. These fears often begin in childhood or adolescence and may be triggered by a traumatic event, learned behaviour, or genetic factors.  Often people are not aware of their own triggers.

Symptoms of a phobia can range from mild unease to full-blown panic attacks, and may include sweating, rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, and dizziness. Left untreated, phobias can interfere with daily life, relationships, and overall well-being.