A phobia is an intense fear of, or loathing for, specific objects or circumstances. Although some situations may account for rational fears, an individual with specific phobia anxiety disorder has a level of fear that does not match with the actual danger caused by the situation or object.
Symptoms of specific phobias may include:
- Irrational or excessive worry about a feared object or situation
- Avoidance of feared object or situation
- Intense anxiety when encountering a feared situation
- Shortness of breath
- Sweating and increased heart rate
Common phobias include flying, heights, specific animals, the sight of blood, or receiving shots.
