Definition : Specific Phobia

A.  Marked and persistent fear that is excessive or unreasonable, cued by the presence or anticipation of a specific object or situation

Specific phobias can be divided into several subgroups:

• Animal Phobia
• Situation Phobia
• Environment (nature) phobia
• Blood-injury-injection phobia

 B.  Exposure to the phobic stimulus almost invariably provokes an immediate anxiety response, which may take the form of a situationally bound or situationally predisposed Panic Attack. Note: In children, the anxiety may be expressed by crying, tantrums, freezing, or clinging.

C.  The person recognizes that the fear is excessive or unreasonable. Note: In children, this feature may be absent.

D.  The phobic situation(s) is avoided or else is endured with intense anxiety or distress.

E.   The avoidance, anxious anticipation, or distress in the feared situation(s) interferes significantly with the person's normal routine, occupational (or academic) functioning, or social activities or relationships, or there is marked distress about having the phobia.

F.   In individuals under age 18 years, the duration is at least 6 months.

Specific phobias used to be called "simple phobias". They are the most common the anxiety disorders. It is believed they affect at least 7 percent of women and at least 4 percent of men. In children, it is believed they are present in about 5 percent of children