What is a phobia? Specific phobias are irrational or abrupt fears of an object or situation. Most individuals who suffer from specific phobias do not have a traumatic onset, such as fearing a spider and being bit by a spider. Specific phobias cause individuals to experience anxiety that can lead them to avoid situations or objects. Individuals are usually aware that their fear is irrational or excessive, but their fear occurred during childhood and has overtaken their life.
In the United States, it is estimated that 7%-9% of adults suffer from a specific phobia. Women are twice as likely as men to be affected by specific phobias.
All children have certain items or situations that make them uneasy or fearful, but most are nevertheless able to carry out daily activities without incident despite having a phobia. In contrast, children with specific phobias continually avoid specific situations or objects due to intense fear and anxiety, and the avoidance and distress consequently disrupt their lives in considerable ways. Upwards of 7%-9% of children are estimated to have specific phobias (Schniering, Hudson & Rapee, 2000).
