Clinical Features - Simple [Specific] Phobias
A specific phobia is the persistent inappropriate fear of a specific object or situation
In this condition the person develops immediate and intense feelings of fear and anxiety in response to specific objects or situations e.g. spiders, which are avoided as a result. The person recognises that the fears are excessive or irrational, but cannot control the feelings. Many people deal with the problem by avoiding exposure to the object of fear e.g. fear of heights. Some people may be able to endure the stimulus, although with feelings of dread. Common phobias include fear of spiders, snakes, cats, dogs, flying, heights, having blood taken, injections, seeing the dentist and vomiting.
It is usual to identify a simple phobia as a type of anxiety disorder, only if avoidance or fear of the stimulus or object significantly interferes with the person’s daily life, work or social life over a period of some time (6 months or more).
Click on the link for details of:
