Phobia
A phobia is an irrational fear of anything: objects, people, situations, activities that the experiencer of the phobia feels compelled to avoid. Erin Gersley explains that the symptoms of phobias include:
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Feeling of panic, dread, horror, or terror
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Recognition that the fear goes beyond normal boundaries and the actual threat of danger
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Reactions that are automatic and uncontrollable, practically taking over the person’s thoughts
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Rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, trembling, and an overwhelming desire to flee the situation – all the physical reactions associated with extreme fear
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Extreme measures taken to avoid the feared object or situation [Excerpt from Erin Gersley, "Phobias: Causes and Treatments," AllPsych Journal (November 17, 2001), Copyright © 1999-2003, AllPsych and Heffner Media Group, Inc., All Rights Reserved.]
Comprehensive Lists of Phobias
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