A phobia is an excessive, irrational fear or anxiety related to specific objects or situations that is persistent and disproportionate to any actual threat. Phobias are classified as specific, social, or agoraphobia. They can be triggered by traumatic incidents, genetics, or stress and cause symptoms like trembling, difficulty breathing, and nausea. While fear protects us from real dangers, phobias are excessive and interfere with daily life. Phobias are treatable through therapies like exposure, cognitive behavioral therapy, and medications.

1. Phobia
By: Thilini Nadeesha

2. what is phobia?
A phobia is a type of anxiety disorder defined by a persistent
and excessive fear of an object or situation. Phobias typically
result in a rapid onset of fear and are present for more than six
months.

3. symptoms of phobia
• sweating
• trembling
• hot flushes or chills
• shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• a choking sensation
• rapid heartbeat (tachycardia)
• pain or tightness in the chest
• a sensation of butterflies in the stomach
• nausea
• headaches and dizziness
• feeling faint
• numbness or pins and needles
• dry mouth
• a need to go to the toilet
• ringing in your ears
• confusion or disorientation

4. causes of phobia
• Particular incidents or traumas.
• Learned responses, picked up in early life.
• Genetics.
• Responses to panic or fear.
• Long-term stress can cause feelings of anxiety and depression, and
reduce your ability to cope in particular situations.

5. 3 types of phobia
There are three main groups of phobias which include:
• Specific (simple) phobias
• Social phobias
• Agoraphobia

6. phobia vs fear
Fear is a natural emotion that protects people from harm when they
face real and imminent danger. A phobia is an excessive fear or anxiety
related to specific objects or situations that are out of proportion to
the actual danger they present.

7. The difference between normal fear and a phobia
Normal fear
• Feeling anxious when flying
through turbulence or taking off
during a storm.
• Experiencing butterflies when
peering down from the top of a
skyscraper or climbing a tall
ladder.
• Getting nervous when you see a
pit bull or a Rottweiler.
• Feeling a little queasy when
getting a shot or when your
blood is being drawn.
Phobia
• Not going to your best friend’s
island wedding because you’d have
to fly there.
• Turning down a great job because
it’s on the 10th floor of the office
building.
• Steering clear of the park because
you might see a dog.
• Avoiding necessary medical
treatments or doctor’s checkups
because you’re terrified of needles.

8. Treatments for phobia
• Beta blockers
• Antidepressants
• Tranquilizers
• Behavioral therapy
• Desensitization, or exposure therapy
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Medications

9. Surprising facts about phobias
• A fear and a phobia are not the same thing.
• There are more than 400 phobias.
• Some phobias may sound strange.
• Some phobias didn't used to exist.
• Even celebs have phobias.
• Phobias may be passed down in your DNA.
• Phobias can be treated.

10. Takeaway..
• Phobias can be a source of genuine and ongoing distress for an
individual. However, they are treatable in most cases, and very often
the source of fear is avoidable.
• If you have a phobia, the one thing you should never be afraid of is
seeking help. The Anxiety and Depression Association of America
(ADAA) offer a useful resource for locating a therapist. They also offer
a range of talks on how to overcome specific phobias.