Most of us are afraid of something, which is normal. Some people, however, have a very strong fear of something that causes them to feel and act abnormally. When a fear of something becomes very strong it is called a phobia.

A phobia is an overwhelming and irrational fear of something or situation that is usually not dangerous. A phobia is different from short periods of anxiety. All of us feel anxious at times; for example, before an important interview, a big test, or before giving a speech in front of a crowd.

A phobia, however, is long-lasting and causes intense physical and psychological distress. It can affect your ability to act and function normally. People who have a phobia try to always avoid what they fear otherwise they might panic, tremble, or have difficulty breathing.
Several types of phobias exist. Some people fear being trapped in small confined places. Others are unable to withstand certain social situations. And still others have a specific phobia, such as a fear of snakes, elevators or flying.



Arachnophobia, or fear of spiders, is one of the more common phobias. Here are some others:

Emetophobia —the fear of vomit

Coulrophobia —the fear of clowns

Carcinophobia —the fear of cancer

Nosophobia —the fear of catching a disease

Acrophobia —the fear of heights

Phasmophobia —the fear of ghosts

Some people are afraid of things that seem very unusual.

Triskaidekaphobia—the fear of the number 13

Zoophobia —the fear of animals

Amathophobia —the fear of dust

Macrophobia —the fear of long waits

Chromophobia —the fear of colors