Find information on phobias, including symptoms, causes and how to access treatment and support. Get tips for helping yourself, plus guidance for friends and family.
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A phobia is a type of anxiety disorder. It is an extreme form of fear or anxiety, triggered by a particular situation or object.
You may even feel this extreme anxiety when you think or talk about the situation or object.
Many of us have fears about particular situations or objects. This is perfectly normal. A fear becomes a phobia if:
"I wish I had a reason to explain to people where my phobia came from, but I don’t. I just handle it in the best way I can."
It can be difficult to know when to get help for a phobia. Bear in mind that phobias are a type of anxiety disorder. It may be time to consider treatment for your phobia if:
For more information, see our pages on self-care for phobias and treatment for phobias.
"It has taken me four whole years to realise that life doesn't have to be this way. I started psychotherapy. And it was when I discovered that there was another way of living."
This information was published in February 2021. We will revise it in 2024.
References and bibliography available on request.
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