A phobia is a clinical term that is used to describe an irrational and persistent fear of certain objects, situations, activities, or persons. These fears are beyond one’s control and may interfere with one’s daily activities. Phobias belong to a large group of mental problems known as anxiety disorders, other conditions included in this group are obsessive compulsive disorder, panic disorder, and post traumatic stress disorder. There are many forms of phobias, and they can be a fear of something specific such as flying or social fears that may cause certain individuals to feel anxious in social situations. Other examples of this disorder may involve fear of small animals, closed spaces, and snakes. It usually begins at home and persists into adulthood. Some of these conditions if not treated may hamper a person’s development.
Health researchers believe that common forms of phobias may include the following:
Arachnophobiathe fear of spiders.
Ophidiophobiathe fear of snakes
Acrophobiathe fear of heights
Agoraphobiathe fear if circumstances in which escape is difficult. It may include crowded areas or open spaces.