Phobias are defined according to the American Psychiatric Association, as an irrational and excessive fear of an object or situation. Phobias usually develop in late childhood, adolescence, or early adult life in response to a frightening event or situation.

Phobias are the most common mental disorder in the United States. Far more women than men are affected by phobias. Phobias affect people of all ages, from all walks of life, and in every part of the world. Phobias can deeply impact a person's life.

Types of Phobias

Phobias belong to a large group of mental problems known as anxiety disorders that include obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Social phobia and situational phobias, such as fear of heights or of closed-in spaces, typically appear by the mid-20s.

The causes of complex phobias, such as agoraphobia and social phobia, are unclear. Sometimes phobias run in families. Phobias are persistent, irrational fears of objects or situations that persist even though the fear has no base in current reality.

Symptoms

Symptoms of a phobia include the following: Feelings of panic, dread, horror, or terror, rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, trembling, and an overwhelming desire to flee the situation. Symptoms can last several hours, but usually peak after 10 minutes. Symptoms of Phobias can interfere with your ability to work, socialize, and go about a daily routine.