Definition: A phobia describes problems of high anxiety (often with panic attacks) that regularly occurs in a particular situation. We become overly aware of any possible threats relating to our fear and try to avoid or quickly leave any situation, people or places that cause us to feel anxious. We often know logically that the situation will not harm or kill us, yet we experience the anxiety anyway.

There are many different types of phobia:
·                Avoidance of specific situations or objects. For example, a common phobia is a fear of heights. Almost any object can become a cause of phobic fear, for example insects, wasps, or spiders.
·                Avoidance of one to one and other conversations with people. This is called social phobia where there is excessive shyness and very high anxiety in social situations. Sometimes there may be a more focused fear of public speaking to a large group of people. For example, a teacher may become anxious leading a class.
·                Avoidance of specific places. You may have heard of people who have panic attacks on buses or in shops or other crowded situations where it is difficult to escape. This is called agoraphobia - one of the most common forms of phobia.

Virtually any situation, places or people can become the focus of a phobia. Each phobia has a specific name however, the description above summarises the main types that occur.

Virtually any situation, places or people can become the focus of a phobia. Each phobia has a specific name however, the description above summarises the main types that occur.