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A specificphobiais an intense and irrational fear of a specified object or situation.
A phobia is an excessive and overwhelming fear that results in avoidance or extreme distress.
Approximately 75% of people with a specific phobia fear more than one object or situation.
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This includes excessive fear, and immediate anxiety response, and avoidance of the fear trigger.
These can help reduce or even eliminate symptoms.
Suchmedicationsare usually most effective when paired with psychotherapy.
The DSM-5 states that people with specific disorders also have an elevated risk for suicide.
If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact theNational Suicide Prevention Lifelineat988for support and assistance from a trained counselor.
If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
Worried you won’t be able to think of any on the spot?
Anxiety and Depression Association of America.Facts & statistics.
American Psychiatric Association.Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th ed.
Washington, DC; 2013.
Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania.Specific phobias.
Eaton WW, Bienvenu OJ, Miloyan B.Specific phobias.Lancet Psychiatry.
5th ed, text revision.
Washington, D.C.; 2022
