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Phobias are a common anxiety disorder. With phobias,
there is a persistent, disabling fear of an object or situation.
Phobias can involve animals, particularly dogs, snakes, insects
and mice. Phobias can also involve closed spaces, heights, air travel,
places, social situations, or being alone in public. Contact with
the object or situation will cause an immediate anxiety response.
This response can include feeling panicky, sweating, difficulty
breathing, increased heart rates, etc.
- Phobias often interfere with the person's everyday
functioning, social activities or relationships.
- Phobias can begin at any age and are more often
diagnosed in women. Between 9 to 12 percent of all Americans suffer
from phobias.
Signs of Phobia:
- Persistent and uncontrollable fear of an object
or situation
- Exposure to the object or situation causes an
immediate physical response
- The object or situation is avoided or endured
with intense anxiety
- The person realizes this fear is excessive or
unreasonable
If you or someone you know is
suffering from the signs of a phobia, call for help.
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