The Ten Most Common Phobias

A phobia is defined as an extreme sensation of discomfort, that can lead to anxiety or a panic attack.  If it continues over a period of time, it will simply be reinforced and the person will be less likely to overcome it if they run away from it.  When a phobia begins to interfere with day to day functioning, it may be time to see a therapist or receive professional treatment. 

However, many people learn to live with their phobias and continue to work down a path that leads to a happy and healthy life.  They learn new skills and strategies in coping with their fear and anxiety, and adapt new behaviors to get through it.  Although it is challenging, overcoming a phobia is not impossible.  It’s also important to know that there are hundreds of common phobias that people might relate to. 

Arachnophobia is possibly the most common phobia, and is the fear of spiders.  This can range from minimal discomfort, to a full-fledged panic attack when a spider is present or is spotted.  Almost 50 percent of women and 10 percent of men reportedly share this phobia, and it generally does not interfere with daily life unless it escalates to extreme cases of anxiety.

Social phobia is also known as social anxiety disorder.  This can stem from low self-esteem, and is generally the fear of being judged negatively, and a fear of embarrassment in social situations.  It can develop from childhood experiences, or just become prevalent in adulthood.  It can severely limit social and business relationships over the long term.

Aerophobia is the fear of flying, and is common in people who are also afraid of heights.  It limits the ability to fly on vacation or business, and can severely restrict a person’s ability to travel.

Agoraphobia is an intense fear of a specific place or situation, and the person can become so tense that they have to leave immediately.  It can be similar to a panic attack, and can occur in the most common places.  Specific restaurants, shops, or parks may cause anxiety for some people, as each individual location would have its own experience connected to it.

Claustrophobia is the fear of being trapped in a small space, and this can cause people to have difficulties functioning normally in an elevators, small rooms, and crowded public places.  Closets usually scare people with this phobia, and they will refrain from closing doors often.

Acrophobia ist he fear of heights.  This can be a phobia related to Aerophobia, a fear of flying.

Emetophboia is the fear of vomit.  Doctors and nurses who have this phobia must receive treatment to overcome it, as they cannot be successful for long without having built up some tolerance for it.

Carcinophobia is the fear of cancer.  Diagnosis itself can be anxiety-provoking, but many people fear it before it even happens to them.

Brontophobia is the fear of thunderstorms.  These people will retreat and learn ways to soothe themselves when they hear thunder and lightning.

Necrophobia is the fear of death or anything that is already dead.  This can include small things such as dried flowers or wall hangings of hunted animals.  The fear of death is very common.

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