Phobias involve intense fears of specific objects or situations that are triggered upon actual or anticipated exposure to phobic stimuli.

Most common phobias: animals, heights, flying, enclosed spaces, blood, injection

Epidemiology:

• Phobias are amongst the most common and treatable psychiatric conditions - most common anxiety disorder
• More common in women
• Higher pravelence rates in children and adolescents

Risk factors:

• anxiety disorders (especially panic disorders)
• mood disorders
• first degree relative with a phobia
• twin with a phobia

PC

• Anticipatory anxiety
• Behavioural avoidance
• Onset during childhood or early childhood
• Physical symptoms - nausea, dizziness, fainting, tachyardia, hyperventilation