Specific phobia

What is a specific phobia?

Children with a specific phobia have an intense fear of a specific situation, event, object, or animal. For example, they may be very afraid of spiders, heights, or blood tests. Sometimes, just thinking about it causes feelings of anxiety. Often, someone with a specific phobia knows that their fear is unnecessary, but they still cannot control it.

Almost everyone is sometimes frightened by a spider or feels uncomfortable at great heights. But if that fear is much stronger than necessary, and it bothers you or causes you to avoid situations, we call that a specific phobia. Specific phobias are common. About one in ten people will experience them at some point, both children and adults.

Not sure if you need help? Discuss your fear with someone you trust and with your doctor. The sooner you address it, the greater the chance that you will overcome your fear.