The fear of smells, or osmophobia, is surprisingly common in those who suffer from migraines, but is relatively rare on its own. The sense of smell is extremely personalized, making it difficult to predict what an individual's triggers might be. Osmophobia responds well to standard phobia treatments, but those with migraines should always consult with their medical doctor to avoid worsening the headaches. Learn more about this complicated phobia.

Rare enough that it lacks an official title, the fear of submerged objects actually encompasses a wide range of specific phobias, from the fear of underwater animals to the fear of submarines. While it is prudent and reasonable to use caution when boating or swimming in unfamiliar waterways, those with a fear of submerged objects take this natural fear too far. Have a look at the variety of phobias that fall under this general heading.

According to the DSM-IV (Diagnostic and statistical manual, 4th edition) animal phobias are considered a subset of specific phobias. Though it is possible to fear any animal at all, some animal phobias are significantly more common than others. Most animal phobias fall into three loosely defined unofficial categories: predators, disgusting animals, and animals that factor heavily into common superstitions. Find out why we are so much more likely to fear some animals rather than others!

Are you afraid of any animals? Your thoughts are welcome!

Risk aversion is most often thought of in terms of finance or economics, and occasionally in game theory. But risk aversion impacts all aspects of our daily lives. People who are unusually risk averse may experience particular challenges in phobia treatment, as they are reluctant to take the leap of faith that many treatment methods require. Although risk aversion is not generally considered a disorder, it is a factor that must be considered during any mental health treatment.