Specific Phobias

 

. 

These involve a persistent and excessive fear of a particular object or situation. The fear is often immediate and can cause avoidance behaviors.

Types of Specific Phobias:

• Animal Phobias:
• Fear of spiders: Arachnophobia
• Fear of snakes: Ophidiophobia
• Fear of dogs: Cynophobia
• Natural Environment Phobias:
• Fear of heights: Acrophobia
• Fear of storms
• Fear of water
• Blood-Injection-Injury Phobias:
• Fear of needles: Trypanophobia
• Fear of blood
• Fear of medical procedures
• Situational Phobias:
• Fear of flying: Aerophobia
• Fear of enclosed spaces: Claustrophobia
• Fear of driving, tunnels, elevators, etc.
• Other Specific Phobias:
• Fear of choking
• Fear of loud noises
• Fear of clowns

---

2. Complex Phobias

These are often more disabling and are usually linked to deep anxiety and social functioning. They typically develop during adulthood and can be more difficult to treat.

Types of Complex Phobias:

• Social Phobia (Social Anxiety Disorder):
• An intense fear of social situations.
• Worry about being judged, embarrassed, or humiliated.
• Can affect work, school, and personal relationships.
• Agoraphobia:
• A fear of places or situations where escape might be hard or help unavailable in the event of panic.
• Includes fear of crowds, open spaces, public transport, or being alone outside the home.