​ Phobias
  • fear of a particular object or situation that is out of proportion for the situation and interfering with life (e.g., fear of snakes, heights, needles)
  • A marked, persistent and excessive fear of an object, animal or situation.
  • Exposure to the phobic stimulus causes an immediate anxious response.
  • The teen recognizes that the fear is excessive.
  • The phobic situation is avoided or endured with intense anxiety or distress.
  • The avoidance, anticipation or distress in the feared situation interferes with the teen's normal routine (school, social life) - or there is marked distress about having the phobia.
  • The phobic reaction isn't due to any other mental health disorder.
Which is a phobia: arachnophobia or fear of flying?
The answer depends on how distressing the fear is. While we often associate phobias with common fears like spiders, snakes, or heights, a true phobia causes significant disruption in a person’s daily life. It can lead to intense anxiety that prevents teens from attending school, socializing with friends and family, working, or even enjoying everyday activities.
Phobias are typically learned responses to a past experience that was particularly frightening or overwhelming. Over time, the fear becomes generalized to other similar situations. While this instinctual fear response helps us avoid potential dangers, in the case of phobias, the response is often exaggerated and out of proportion. Sometimes, phobias develop by witnessing family members (like parents or siblings) react fearfully to certain situations.
Though avoiding the feared object or situation may provide temporary relief, it actually reinforces the fear, making it grow stronger. This creates a cycle where the phobia becomes more entrenched, further limiting the teen’s ability to fully engage in life.
Fortunately, phobias are treatable, and relief is possible.
Through effective treatments like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Exposure Therapy, we can help teens confront their fears in a safe, controlled way, breaking the cycle of avoidance and anxiety.​
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