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Understanding phobias: 4 facts you need to know

A woman on an airplane wearing earphones and a neck pillow.

Oct. 27, 2025—For millions of Americans, just the thought of encountering specific objects or situations—an insect or heights, for example—can trigger overwhelming fear and anxiety. If that's true for you, you may have a phobia. And you'd be far from alone.

Here are four facts everyone should know about this widespread mental health concern.

1. Phobias are common.

Up to 13% of people are affected by phobias at some point, the American Psychological Association (APA) reports. Specific phobias can lead people to avoid certain objects, places or situations, even when they know the danger isn't real.

Common phobias include fear of:

  • Situations, such as confined spaces, flying, going through tunnels or crossing bridges.
  • Things in the environment, such as heights, water or thunderstorms.
  • Animals, such as snakes, spiders, rodents, cats or dogs.
  • Blood or needles.

2. Most phobias start in childhood.

However, they can develop in adults too. Phobias can start from a traumatic event. But most people say they've had their phobia for as long as they can recall.

Learning about the dangers of something or observing other people's fearful reactions can also contribute to phobias.

3. Phobias are different from fear.

Fear is a natural response that can save us from real dangers. For example, it's helpful to fear a growling dog. On the other hand, fear may rise to the level of a phobia when it is disproportionate to the actual danger, causes a lot of distress and interferes with everyday life. (Fear can also be a symptom of other types of anxiety disorders.)

A phobia of dogs, for instance, might cause you to panic around even a small, gentle dog. That fear might prevent you from visiting your friend with the dog. Or a fear of heights may cause you to drive several miles around a tall bridge.

Even if you don't avoid the situation or animal you have a fear of, encountering it may cause you a lot of distress.

Phobias can also affect your ability to work certain jobs or enjoy life to the fullest. For instance, a fear of flying could prevent you from traveling for work or vacationing somewhere you long to visit.

If a fear doesn't disrupt your routine or cause you a lot of anxiety, it may be something you can manage without too much distress. For example, if you're afraid of sharks but don't live near the ocean, that probably won't be a problem for you. However, if fear is causing you a lot of anxiety or interfering with your life, help is available.

4. Phobias are treatable.

One of the most effective treatments for phobias is exposure therapy, the APA reports. That's when a therapist helps you gradually get used to the thing you fear in a safe, controlled way.

With exposure therapy, you'll have brief exposures in small steps, then build from there. And it's done in a way that allows you to have a sense of control.

For example, if you're afraid of dogs, you might start by looking at pictures of dogs before moving on to looking at a real dog from afar. Throughout this process, your therapist will guide you to stay calm. Eventually, when you're ready, you might get used to touching a dog.

In addition to exposure therapy, another effective approach involves helping people recognize and challenge the thoughts behind their fear.

If a phobia is affecting your life, you don't have to face it alone. Ask your healthcare provider for help to find the treatment you need.

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