What are some common specific phobias?
A specific phobia is an intense, irrational fear of something that poses little or no actual danger. Some of the more common specific phobias are fears of: • Closed-in places • Heights • Escalators • Tunnels • Highway driving • Water • Flying • Dogs • Injuries involving blood These fears are irrational. For example, you may be able to ski the world’s tallest mountains with ease but be unable to go above the 5th floor of an office building. Adults with phobias know that these fears are irrational but they often find that facing, or even thinking about facing their fears brings on a panic attack or severe anxiety.
