What are the symptoms of having specific phobias?
The physical symptoms of phobias can range from mild anxiety and fear to a full-blown panic attack. Symptoms of a panic attack may include: a pounding heart; nausea or diarrhea; sweating; trembling or shaking; numbness or tingling; problems with breathing (shortness of breath); and feeling dizzy or lightheaded. Typically, the closer the person is to the thing they are afraid of, the greater the level of fear will be. Symptoms will also be higher if escape from the feared object or situation is difficult. Specific phobias can also cause “anticipatory anxiety”, which involves becoming nervous ahead of time about being in certain situations or coming into contact with the object of your phobia. For example, a person with a fear of dogs may become anxious about going for a walk because he or she may see a dog along the way. Children with a specific phobia may express their anxiety by crying, clinging to a parent or throwing a tantrum.
