Articles Index
Fear of Submerged Objects
The fear of submerged objects encompasses many related phobias. Some people are afraid of natural phenomena such as animals or logs, others of man-made items.
Physical Phobias
Phobias involving our own bodies are sometimes tricky to diagnose and treat. These phobias often, but not always, have roots in a wide range of other disorders. Learn more about these complicated and devastating phobias.
Movement-Related Phobias
Movement-related fears are often caused by medical conditions that make some forms of movement difficult, painful or dangerous. These normal concerns are not considered phobias. In a physically healthy person, however, movement-related fears are frequently life-limiting. Movement-related phobias are sometimes rooted in other mental health disorders, though they sometimes occur independently.
Monster Phobias
The fear of monsters is exceptionally common among small children, but much rarer in older kids and adults. Monster phobias include both the generalized fear of monsters and the fear of a specific type of creature, such as zombies or demons. But why are these creatures so frightening?
Animal Phobias
Animal phobias run the gamut from powerful predators to tiny spiders. While it is possible to develop a phobia of any animal, some are much more commonly feared. Have a look at some of the most common animal phobias.
Gestalt Therapy
Gestalt therapy is an existential form of therapy that focuses on the here and now. The therapist and client enter into an alliance of equals, working to increase the client's awareness of her own behaviors and motivations.
Phobias and Halloween
Halloween can be terrifying for those with certain phobias, but there is no need to fear the entire season. Here is some information to help you survive.
Vampire Phobias
The fear of vampires is both ancient and pervasive, affecting every culture around the world. But where did the vampire myth originate and why is it so powerful and enduring?
Kinemortophobia
Kinemortophobia, or the fear of zombies, is rooted in older and more generalized legends of the undead. Yet zombies continue to terrify us today. Why are these creatures so frightening, and how can we cope?
Cynophobia
Cynophobia, or fear of dogs, is extremely common. What causes this phobia, and how can it affect your life? Is treatment available? Find out here!
Triskaidekaphobia
Triskaidekaphobia, or fear of the number 13, is an ancient phobia. Yet some experts believe that is should not be considered a phobia at all. Read on for both sides of the debate.
Genuphobia
Genuphobia, or the fear of knees, encompasses a variety of different phobias. Some people are afraid of their own knees, some of other people's knees. Some actually fear the process of kneeling.
Heliophobia
Heliophobia, or the fear of sunlight, is often related to other issues. From medical sun sensitivity to body image concerns, the root cause of heliophobia can be difficult to determine.
Body Image and Phobias
Body image issues are sometimes intertwined with phobias. How do these issues complicate existing phobias, and how can phobias lead to new concerns over body image?
Ostraconophobia
The fear of shellfish, or ostraconophobia, runs the gamut from mild to severe. Some people are disgusted by the taste or texture, while others fear illness or allergies.
Hippopotomonstrosesquipedaliophobia
Hippopotomonstrosesquipedaliophobia is a slightly sarcastic common name for the fear of long words. But the actual phobia can be life-limiting, especially for children.
DSM: Friend or Foe?
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, or DSM, has long been the bible of mental health diagnosis. But some clinicians worry that it may do more harm than good. What is the DSM, and how can it affect your therapeutic experience?
Food Phobias
Food-related phobias run the gamut from the fear of food to the fear of vomiting. Although these phobias vary dramatically, they also share some commonalities.
Medical Phobias
Phobias related to medical issues can have long-term effects on physical health. From doctors to MRIs, the medical field is filled with possible triggers. Careful planning can mitigate some of the effects.
Phasmophobia
Phasmophobia, or the fear of ghosts, is a somewhat controversial phobia. Possibly related to the fear of death and shrouded in religious belief, this fear is thought by some to be symptomatic of disordered thinking. Read on to explore this complicated yet common phobia.
Cibophobia and Children
Cibophobia, or the fear of food, can be devastating for anyone, but particularly children. Can parents affect their kids' chances of developing this fear?
Jaws Movie
The Jaws movie did more to inspire shark phobia than perhaps any other media event. Using some of the techniques of suspense pioneered by Alfred Hitchcock, a team of unknowns created a legend. Learn more about the Jaws movie and the shark phobia it inspired.
Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho
The Psycho shower scene is one of the best known scenes in the history of cinema. The scene is said to have spawned shower phobias in a generation of film fans. Read on for the psychology behind the scene's enduring terror.
Hypochondriasis
Hyponchondriasis, or hypochondria, is an often-misunderstood disorder. It is not technically a phobia, but shares many of the same symptoms. Read on for more information on the symptoms and treatment for hypochondria.
What Is a Phobia?
A phobia can be defined as an intense and irrational fear. Here you will find information to help you understand the definitions of anxiety and phobia and how they are treated.