Phobias

Phobias are irrational fears of particular things: situations (like being in public, or public speaking), animals (snakes, spiders, dogs), people (tall men, clowns, priests) or places (heights, open spaces, farms). While there are certain phobias that are far more common than others, and some that are very rare or unheard of, the range of phobias reported in therapy is almost endless.

The key word in the definition is "irrational." Being afraid of a large growling dog running towards you in a park or on the street is rational. Exercising caution before going near a dog is wise. If you have been attacked by dogs, a period of recovery where your fear of dogs is increased and intensified is normal; a very long period might indicate Post Traumatic Stress more than a true phobia. However, a fear of dogs is phobic if, for example, a person will never go near any dog, even a household pet on a leash calmly sleeping, or becomes terrified at even the sound of dogs barking in the distance. Phobias also persist - they don't get better with time, unless treated. Phobias seem to have no apparent cause, but therapy often reveals one, and can then begin offering solutions. Phobias usually have a root in childhood, and may hide deeper fears having nothing directly to do with the consciously feared thing or situations.

Sometimes, phobias are so persistent they interfere with the ability to function. Phobias of driving, or of being in open spaces, talking on the phone, or being around other people can severely disrupt a person's life - and that of their family and close friends.