Psychology
Phobias: fear of needles, blood, heights, dogs and flying
A phobia is a fear far bigger than the danger, strong enough to shape your life. Exposure therapy treats most phobias, often in a few sessions.
27 Sept 20268 min read
Phobia
Also known as Phobias, Specific phobia, Irrational fear
An intense, lasting fear of a particular thing or situation, such as heights, injections or dogs, that is out of proportion to the real danger and leads a person to avoid it.
In Psychology
A phobia is more than disliking something. The fear is strong enough that even thinking about the object or situation brings on anxiety, and the person goes out of their way to avoid it — even when they know the fear is out of proportion.
Two broad kinds
- Specific (simple) phobias centre on one thing: heights, dogs, spiders, flying, lifts, blood, needles or the dentist.
- Complex phobias, such as and social anxiety, reach into daily life far more widely and usually need more help.
A fear of blood or injections matters medically, because it can make people put off blood tests, vaccines or dental care for years. The that brings relief is also what keeps the fear alive.
Phobias are among the most treatable anxiety problems. The main treatment is with gradual, planned to the feared thing, at a pace the person agrees to. Medicines have a smaller role.
Where this comes up
Related terms
- AgoraphobiaFear of leaving home, Fear of crowdsFear of situations where escape might be hard or help unavailable if panic strikes — crowds, buses, markets, being far from home. It is not simply a fear of open spaces.
- Exposure therapyGraded exposure, Exposure and response preventionA therapy in which you face feared situations, objects, sensations or memories gradually and safely until the fear fades. It is the core treatment for phobias and part of therapy for OCD, panic and PTSD.
- AvoidanceAvoidance behaviour, AvoidingStaying away from situations, places, people or feelings that cause fear or distress. It brings quick relief but, over time, keeps anxiety going and can make life smaller.
- Panic attackPanic attacks, Ghabrahat ka dauraA sudden rush of intense fear with strong physical symptoms such as a racing heart, breathlessness and shaking. It peaks within minutes and, although frightening, is not dangerous.
- Anxiety disorderAnxiety disorders, AnxietyWorry or fear that is stronger than the situation calls for, lasts for weeks or months, and gets in the way of daily life. Anxiety disorders are common and treatable.