What is specific phobia?
• Specific phobia, or SP, is a condition where you have strong fear of a specific object or situation (certain place and time). You become anxious when faced with the feared object or situation. You may be afraid that you will be hurt by the object, or in the situation. With specific phobia, you know that you are more afraid than you should be, but you cannot talk yourself out of the fear. You may try to avoid certain things so that you do not have to face your fear. Because of your fear, you may not be able to do your daily activities. • There are different types of SP. You may have more than one type at the same time. When you have SP, you may also have one or more other types of anxiety disorders. SP usually starts when you are a child, and often lasts many years. Getting treatment for specific phobia can help you control your anxiety, and make your fear go away. Your specific phobia can come back even after treatment. By learning and practicing ways to cope with your fear, you may
