Do I Have A Specific Phobia?

Do you experience marked fear or anxiety about a specific object or situation (e.g., flying, animals, receiving an injection, seeing blood)?

Does the phobic object or situation almost always provoke immediate fear or anxiety?

Is the phobic object or situation actively avoided or endured with intense fear or anxiety?

Is the fear or anxiety out of proportion to the actual danger posed by the specific object or situation and to the sociocultural context?

Does the fear, anxiety or avoidance last for 6 months or more?

Can you confirm that the disturbance is not better explained by the symptoms of another mental disorder, including fear, anxiety and avoidance of situations associated with panic-like symptoms or other incapacitating symptoms: objects/situations related to obsessions (as in obsessive-compulsive disorder); reminders of traumatic events (as in post-traumatic stress disorder)?

Based on your answers, there probably is no need to worry. Specific phobias are quite common and not all phobias need treatment. However, if a specific phobia has a negative influence on your daily life, it may be useful to do therapy. Therapy can help you overcome your fears permanently.

Based on your answers, it may be wise to make an appointment with your doctor. If you think you have a specific phobia, it may be important to seek psychological help. In case you have children, this is even more important. First, because genetics can play a role in the development of specific phobias. Second, when your child sees your phobic reaction repeatedly, it can trigger a specific phobia in him or her as well so, when you are trying to overcome your fears, you teach your child to be brave just like you.

Based on your answers, it may be important to seek medical attention. Most people who deal with a specific phobia can be helped by doing therapy. It is important when detecting symptoms of a specific phobia to seek help as soon as possible instead of waiting. Specific phobias may seem funny or crazy to other people, but for people who are dealing with this it can cause serious problems. For example, people with social phobias may isolate themselves and avoid certain places. Additionally, they can develop mood disorders and they may abuse drugs or alcohol.