7.8 percent of adults suffer from a phobia, according to the American Psychiatric Institute for Research and Education. That means that if you, teens, suffer from one, too, just know that you’re not alone.
A phobia is an excessive fear of something. It is defined as “an abnormally emotional and physical response to an imagined or irrationally exaggerated fear.” According to the American Psychiatric Association, phobia symptoms include:
•Feelings of panic, dread, horror, or terror.
•An understanding that the fear goes beyond normal boundaries and the actual threat of danger.
•Uncontrollable and automatic reactions that consume a person’s thoughts.
•Rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, trembling, and an overwhelming desire to flee the situation.
•Extreme measures taken to avoid the feared object or situation.
Here at the top 5 most common fears, according to QualityHealth’s Medical Advisory Board, comprised of board certified physicians and certified health professionals:
Fear of Being Helpless Agoraphobia is the fear of being helpless in a situation from which escape may be difficult or embarrassing. Those who suffer from agoraphobia usually avoid places like crowded shpping centers, busy streets and bridges. This phobia affects an estimated 5 percent of the U.S. population, and can be so extreme that people refuse to leave their homes. Women make up two-thirds of those who suffer from this phobia, and the symptoms usually develop between adolescence and mid-30s. Most people who’ve suffered from this have had recent panic attacks, which occur spontaneously. The unpredictable attacks trains people to anticipate future harm. Therefore, they doing things that could trigger harm.
Social Fear People suffering from social phobias fear being watched or humiliated while doing something in public. It can be something as simple as going to a park or riding a bike outside. Many of these people suffer from a generalized social phobia, in which they avoid any kind of interactions at all. Most social phobias tend to develop after puberty, and in extreme cases, can last a lifetime.
Aerophobia is the fear of flying. Many with Aerophobia experience severe anxiety, even though they know that flying shouldn’t justify their fear. This phobia can be developed from a past incident, or from recalling an incident, such as watching news coverage of the 9/11 attacks. However, many times people can’t pinpoint a specific instance that caused the initial fear. In extreme cases, people will avoid riding airplanes and even vomit at the sight of a plane. This phobia is also called aviatophobia or aviophobia.
Fear of Heights Acrophobia is defined as “space and motion discomfort that can cause great distress to sufferers.” This phobia can be hazardous specifically when people have panic attacks or are unable to safely descend from high places. Acrophobia, like many other phobias, has been associated with trauma, but scientists believe it may be an extension of our innate fears, which we’ve adapted from pre-historic times when falls caused great danger. An interesting note: Acrophobia is found in many mammals, including house pets.
Fear of Being Trapped Claustrophobia is the fear of being trapped in virtually any enclosed space. People who have panic attacks may develop claustrophobia beacuse they’re afraid they won’t be able to escape a situation if they have an attack. Claustrophobics sometimes find it difficbecault to breathe in enclosed spaces. Claustrophobia can result from a childhood trauma, or even for no apparent reason at all.
If you think you have a phobia, you should seek help immediately. These are the top most common phobias, but all phobias that persist into adulthood are rarely solved without treatment. However with treatment, the majority of phobias can be conquered and patients can become symptom free for life.
By: Miles Trump