Specific Phobias List and Descriptions
A complete phobias list would be impossible, as it is possible to have a specific phobia of virtually anything in the world. Nonetheless, some specific phobias are more common than others. Look here for a detailed phobias list with in-depth descriptions.
Aquaphobia
Aquaphobia, or fear of water, can be devastating. Without treatment, it could lead to numerous other fears, isolation and even depression. Learn more about aquaphobia and how it is treated.
Aquaphobia, or fear of water, can be devastating. Without treatment, it could lead to numerous other fears, isolation and even depression. Learn more about aquaphobia and how it is treated.
Hemophobia
Hemophobia, or fear of blood, is a common specific phobia. Unlike most specific phobias, it can lead to low blood pressure and even fainting. Learn more about this unique phobia.
Hemophobia, or fear of blood, is a common specific phobia. Unlike most specific phobias, it can lead to low blood pressure and even fainting. Learn more about this unique phobia.
Worst Water-Based Experiences - Share Your Worst Water-Based …
The fear of water is surprisingly common. Most of us have had a bad experience on the water. Mine was an attempt to swim diagonally from the shallow end to the opposite-corner deep end of a wave pool. Though I was a strong swimmer, I was overwhelmed by the waves and nearly drowned. What about you? What was your worst experience in the water, and how did you cope with it? Share your stories here!
The fear of water is surprisingly common. Most of us have had a bad experience on the water. Mine was an attempt to swim diagonally from the shallow end to the opposite-corner deep end of a wave pool. Though I was a strong swimmer, I was overwhelmed by the waves and nearly drowned. What about you? What was your worst experience in the water, and how did you cope with it? Share your stories here!
Scary Blood Experiences - Share Your Scary Experiences Involving Blood
Blood is scary for most people, even those who do not suffer from full-blown hemophobia. What's the scariest experience you have ever had involving blood? Were you injured or was someone else? What was your reaction? Share your stories here!
Blood is scary for most people, even those who do not suffer from full-blown hemophobia. What's the scariest experience you have ever had involving blood? Were you injured or was someone else? What was your reaction? Share your stories here!
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!
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!
Worst Experience With Dog Phobia - Share Your Worst Experienc…
Cynophobia, or fear of dogs, is extremely common. Yet because dogs are so prevalent, dog phobia can have devastating results. Share your worst (most damaging, most embarrassing or just plain scariest) experience with dog phobia here!
Cynophobia, or fear of dogs, is extremely common. Yet because dogs are so prevalent, dog phobia can have devastating results. Share your worst (most damaging, most embarrassing or just plain scariest) experience with dog phobia here!
Roller Coaster Phobia
Roller coaster phobia is surprisingly common, a fact that may seem unlikely these days, as theme parks compete to build "bigger, faster, and more extreme" coasters. What causes roller coaster phobia, and how can it be successfully managed?
Roller coaster phobia is surprisingly common, a fact that may seem unlikely these days, as theme parks compete to build "bigger, faster, and more extreme" coasters. What causes roller coaster phobia, and how can it be successfully managed?
Claustrophobia and Medical Procedures
Claustrophobia can be life-limiting in many ways, but perhaps the most dangerous is the possible impact on necessary health care. Here is a look at the risks and ways of coping with claustrophobia and medical procedures.
Claustrophobia can be life-limiting in many ways, but perhaps the most dangerous is the possible impact on necessary health care. Here is a look at the risks and ways of coping with claustrophobia and medical procedures.
Worst Claustrophobia Experience - Share Your Worst Experience With Cl…
Claustrophobia, or fear of enclosed spaces, is a relatively common but potentially serious phobia. Depending on the severity, you might be afraid when in crowds or small rooms, locked in ride restraints, or trapped in an MRI chamber. Because claustrophobia is so common, virtually everyone has a story to share. What was your worst (most embarrassing, most damaging, or just plain scariest) experien…
Claustrophobia, or fear of enclosed spaces, is a relatively common but potentially serious phobia. Depending on the severity, you might be afraid when in crowds or small rooms, locked in ride restraints, or trapped in an MRI chamber. Because claustrophobia is so common, virtually everyone has a story to share. What was your worst (most embarrassing, most damaging, or just plain scariest) experien…
Siderodromophobia
Siderodromophobia, or fear of trains, is relatively uncommon. However, some believe that it is simply underreported. The 2009 crashes of the DC Metro and the Walt Disney World monorail may cause reported siderodromophobia cases to escalate. Learn more about this unique phobia.
Siderodromophobia, or fear of trains, is relatively uncommon. However, some believe that it is simply underreported. The 2009 crashes of the DC Metro and the Walt Disney World monorail may cause reported siderodromophobia cases to escalate. Learn more about this unique phobia.
Train Phobias - Readers Discuss Train Phobias
Siderodromophobia, or fear of trains, may be underreported. The 2009 crashes of the DC Metro and the Walt Disney World monorail may cause an increase in train phobia reports. Are you afraid of trains? If so, what scares you? Whether afraid of derailment or crashes, employee training procedures or management decisions, share your train phobias here!
Siderodromophobia, or fear of trains, may be underreported. The 2009 crashes of the DC Metro and the Walt Disney World monorail may cause an increase in train phobia reports. Are you afraid of trains? If so, what scares you? Whether afraid of derailment or crashes, employee training procedures or management decisions, share your train phobias here!
What Scares Me About Flying - Fear of Flying and What Scares …
Aerophobia, or the fear of flying, can stem from many different basic fears. What are your triggers? Why is being in the air so frightening? Share your thoughts here.
Aerophobia, or the fear of flying, can stem from many different basic fears. What are your triggers? Why is being in the air so frightening? Share your thoughts here.
Aerophobia
Aerophobia, or fear of flying, is a relatively common but potentially devastating phobia. Learn some causes of aerophobia and how it is generally treated.
Aerophobia, or fear of flying, is a relatively common but potentially devastating phobia. Learn some causes of aerophobia and how it is generally treated.
Mageirocophobia
Mageirocophobia, or fear of cooking, can be divided into many types. Suffering from one or more types is relatively common, although a more severe phobia may encompass virtually all types. Read on to learn more.
Mageirocophobia, or fear of cooking, can be divided into many types. Suffering from one or more types is relatively common, although a more severe phobia may encompass virtually all types. Read on to learn more.
Cibophobia
Cibophobia, or fear of food, is a relatively common but highly devastating phobia. Read on for important information on this complicated phobia.
Cibophobia, or fear of food, is a relatively common but highly devastating phobia. Read on for important information on this complicated phobia.
Dentophobia
Dentophobia, or fear of dentists, is incredibly common. It can become problematic, though, when it leads you to avoid needed dental treatments. Read on for more information on dentophobia.
Dentophobia, or fear of dentists, is incredibly common. It can become problematic, though, when it leads you to avoid needed dental treatments. Read on for more information on dentophobia.
Kleptophobia
Kleptophobia, or fear of theft, actually describes two distinct phobias. One is the fear of stealing, while the other is the fear of being stolen from. Read on for more on these often overlapping phobias.
Kleptophobia, or fear of theft, actually describes two distinct phobias. One is the fear of stealing, while the other is the fear of being stolen from. Read on for more on these often overlapping phobias.
Emetophobia
Emetophobia, or fear of vomiting, is surprisingly common, though little discussed. The fear may be caused by many different factors, and can have devastating consequences for sufferers. Find out more here.
Emetophobia, or fear of vomiting, is surprisingly common, though little discussed. The fear may be caused by many different factors, and can have devastating consequences for sufferers. Find out more here.
Climacophobia
Climacophobia, or fear of climbing, can be complicated to diagnose. It may be linked to several other phobias, including acrophobia and bathmophobia. Find out more about this unique phobia.
Climacophobia, or fear of climbing, can be complicated to diagnose. It may be linked to several other phobias, including acrophobia and bathmophobia. Find out more about this unique phobia.
Bathmophobia
Bathmophobia, or fear of stairs and slopes, can be tricky to diagnose. Symptoms are shared with a range of other disorders, such as fear of heights, fear of climbing and medical vertigo. Learn more about this complicated phobia.
Bathmophobia, or fear of stairs and slopes, can be tricky to diagnose. Symptoms are shared with a range of other disorders, such as fear of heights, fear of climbing and medical vertigo. Learn more about this complicated phobia.
Hexakosioihexekontahexaphobia
Hexakosioihexekontahexaphobia, or fear of the number 666, is surprisingly common. Shrouded in religious belief, the fear can be quite pervasive. Read on to learn more about this unique phobia.
Hexakosioihexekontahexaphobia, or fear of the number 666, is surprisingly common. Shrouded in religious belief, the fear can be quite pervasive. Read on to learn more about this unique phobia.
Bromidrophobia
Bromidrophobia, or fear of body odors, can be largely traced to the current obsession with cleanliness. Read on for more on this relatively common phobia.
Bromidrophobia, or fear of body odors, can be largely traced to the current obsession with cleanliness. Read on for more on this relatively common phobia.
Ornithophobia
Ornithophobia, or fear of birds, is relatively common. However, the symptoms and severity can vary widely. Learn more about this interesting phobia.
Ornithophobia, or fear of birds, is relatively common. However, the symptoms and severity can vary widely. Learn more about this interesting phobia.
Illyngophobia
Illyngophobia, or fear of vertigo, may be related to acrophobia, or fear of heights. However, those with illyngophobia do not fear the height itself. Read on for more on this unique phobia.
Illyngophobia, or fear of vertigo, may be related to acrophobia, or fear of heights. However, those with illyngophobia do not fear the height itself. Read on for more on this unique phobia.
Lilapsophobia
Lilapsophobia, or fear of tornadoes and hurricanes, is related to astraphobia, or fear of storms. However, those with lilapsophobia worry that the storm will turn severe. Learn all about this unique phobia.
Lilapsophobia, or fear of tornadoes and hurricanes, is related to astraphobia, or fear of storms. However, those with lilapsophobia worry that the storm will turn severe. Learn all about this unique phobia.
Pediophobia
Pediophobia, or fear of dolls, may take many forms. Some people are afraid of all dolls, while others fear only specific types. Read on for more information on this relatively common phobia.
Pediophobia, or fear of dolls, may take many forms. Some people are afraid of all dolls, while others fear only specific types. Read on for more information on this relatively common phobia.
Automatonophobia
Although full blown automatonophobia, or fear of humanoid figures, is rare, a certain level of nervousness is common. Read on for more on this unique phobia.
Although full blown automatonophobia, or fear of humanoid figures, is rare, a certain level of nervousness is common. Read on for more on this unique phobia.
Stage Fright
Stage fright is a subset of glossophobia, or fear of public speaking. It affects performers of all walks of life, from kids in school to professional actors. Read on for more on this common phobia.
Stage fright is a subset of glossophobia, or fear of public speaking. It affects performers of all walks of life, from kids in school to professional actors. Read on for more on this common phobia.
Maskaphobia
Maskaphobia, or fear of masks, can take several different forms. Some people are afraid only of horror masks, while others fear even costumed characters. Read on for more information on this relatively common phobia.
Maskaphobia, or fear of masks, can take several different forms. Some people are afraid only of horror masks, while others fear even costumed characters. Read on for more information on this relatively common phobia.
Thanatophobia
The fear of death is ancient and primal. However, not all thanatophobia is the same. Read on for important information on the various causes and treatments for this common phobia.
The fear of death is ancient and primal. However, not all thanatophobia is the same. Read on for important information on the various causes and treatments for this common phobia.
Mysophobia
It is normal and prudent to take precautions against germs. However, mysophobia, or the fear of germs, takes normal caution to an extreme. Read on for more information on this relatively common phobia.
It is normal and prudent to take precautions against germs. However, mysophobia, or the fear of germs, takes normal caution to an extreme. Read on for more information on this relatively common phobia.
Glossophobia
Glossophobia, or the fear of public speaking, is surprisingly common. Unfortunately, it can also be extremely life-limiting. Here you will find information on diagnosing and treating this common phobia.
Glossophobia, or the fear of public speaking, is surprisingly common. Unfortunately, it can also be extremely life-limiting. Here you will find information on diagnosing and treating this common phobia.
Ablutophobia
Although relatively uncommon, the fear of bathing can have devastating consequences. Social isolation and trouble at work or school are not uncommon in those with ablutophobia. Read on for information on the diagnosis and treatment of this condition.
Although relatively uncommon, the fear of bathing can have devastating consequences. Social isolation and trouble at work or school are not uncommon in those with ablutophobia. Read on for information on the diagnosis and treatment of this condition.
Astraphobia
Astraphobia, or the fear of thunder and lightning, is especially common in children; however, it can affect people of any age. Read on for more on this relatively common phobia.
Astraphobia, or the fear of thunder and lightning, is especially common in children; however, it can affect people of any age. Read on for more on this relatively common phobia.
Ophidiophobia
The fear of snakes is relatively common, and over time it can become life-limiting. Read on for more information on the symptoms and treatments for this common phobia.
The fear of snakes is relatively common, and over time it can become life-limiting. Read on for more information on the symptoms and treatments for this common phobia.
Phasmaphobia
Phasmaphobia, 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.
Phasmaphobia, 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.
Iatrophobia
The fear of doctors is surprisingly common. However, it is sometimes hard to distinguish a full-blown phobia from normal anxiety. Read on for tips on how to tell whether you have iatrophobia and how to cope with this limiting fear.
The fear of doctors is surprisingly common. However, it is sometimes hard to distinguish a full-blown phobia from normal anxiety. Read on for tips on how to tell whether you have iatrophobia and how to cope with this limiting fear.
Doomsday Phobias
Doomsday phobias are a relatively broad category that can encompass a wide range of more specific phobias. Any phobia that involves fear of the end of the world could be classified as a doomsday phobia. Learn more about these surprisingly common phobias.
Doomsday phobias are a relatively broad category that can encompass a wide range of more specific phobias. Any phobia that involves fear of the end of the world could be classified as a doomsday phobia. Learn more about these surprisingly common phobias.
Metrophobia
Who can forget Robin Williams as John Keating, encouraging his students to rip out the textbook pages on grading poetry? The film Dead Poets Society illustrated one of the main reasons that many fear poetry. Take a closer look at this surprisingly common phobia.
Who can forget Robin Williams as John Keating, encouraging his students to rip out the textbook pages on grading poetry? The film Dead Poets Society illustrated one of the main reasons that many fear poetry. Take a closer look at this surprisingly common phobia.
Megalophobia
Megalophobia can be generally defined as the fear of large objects. This fear may be specific to large animals, ships or other items, or may be more generalized. Megalophobia is often exploited in Halloween events such as Universal Orlando's Halloween Horror Nights 2008. Read on for more on the myths and realities of this unusual phobia.
Megalophobia can be generally defined as the fear of large objects. This fear may be specific to large animals, ships or other items, or may be more generalized. Megalophobia is often exploited in Halloween events such as Universal Orlando's Halloween Horror Nights 2008. Read on for more on the myths and realities of this unusual phobia.
Bibliophobia
Bibliophobia is a relatively uncommon phobia that involves the fear of books. You may be afraid of all books or only those of a certain style or genre. Read on for more information on this unusual phobia.
Bibliophobia is a relatively uncommon phobia that involves the fear of books. You may be afraid of all books or only those of a certain style or genre. Read on for more information on this unusual phobia.
Herpetophobia
Herpetophobia, or fear of reptiles, is relatively common around the world. As such, it is often exploited by Halloween events such as Universal Orlando's Halloween Horror Nights 2008. Read on for more on this common phobia.
Herpetophobia, or fear of reptiles, is relatively common around the world. As such, it is often exploited by Halloween events such as Universal Orlando's Halloween Horror Nights 2008. Read on for more on this common phobia.
Nyctophobia
Fear of the dark is common in children, and often passes as they mature. If it persists for more than six months, fear of the dark should be professionally treated, as it can become crippling in older children and adults. Read on for more information on this common phobia.
Fear of the dark is common in children, and often passes as they mature. If it persists for more than six months, fear of the dark should be professionally treated, as it can become crippling in older children and adults. Read on for more information on this common phobia.
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.
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.
Acrophobia
Acrophobia is the fear of heights. It is more general than aerophobia (fear of flying), and is not the same thing as vertigo. Read on for information on this common specific phobia.
Acrophobia is the fear of heights. It is more general than aerophobia (fear of flying), and is not the same thing as vertigo. Read on for information on this common specific phobia.
Arachnophobia
Arachnophobia is one of the most common specific phobias. Experts are not yet sure what causes this phobia, but many feel that it may have evolved as an ancient survival mechanism. Read on for more information about this common phobia.
Arachnophobia is one of the most common specific phobias. Experts are not yet sure what causes this phobia, but many feel that it may have evolved as an ancient survival mechanism. Read on for more information about this common phobia.
Cemetery Tombstones
Placophobia, or fear of cemetery tombstones, is generally related to necrophobia, or fear of death. It is not unusual to become nervous in cemeteries, funeral homes or other places related to the dead. However, when a fear of cemetery tombstones or other hallmarks of death becomes unmanageable, it can turn into a phobia. Read on to learn more.
Placophobia, or fear of cemetery tombstones, is generally related to necrophobia, or fear of death. It is not unusual to become nervous in cemeteries, funeral homes or other places related to the dead. However, when a fear of cemetery tombstones or other hallmarks of death becomes unmanageable, it can turn into a phobia. Read on to learn more.
Claustrophobia
Claustrophobia is the fear of enclosed spaces. This disorder can be quite life-limiting, leading sufferers to avoid activities from MRIs to roller coasters. Read on for information that all claustrophobia sufferers should have.
Claustrophobia is the fear of enclosed spaces. This disorder can be quite life-limiting, leading sufferers to avoid activities from MRIs to roller coasters. Read on for information that all claustrophobia sufferers should have.
Clown Phobia
Coulrophobia, or fear of clowns, seems pervasive in our society. Yet very little scientific research has been performed. How can something that seems so innocent be a source of such terror? Read on for a historical look at clown phobia.
Coulrophobia, or fear of clowns, seems pervasive in our society. Yet very little scientific research has been performed. How can something that seems so innocent be a source of such terror? Read on for a historical look at clown phobia.
Fear of Space
Astrophobia, or fear of space, is a relatively common phobia. It may take different forms, from fear of aliens to fear of space exploration. Read on for more information on the fear of space.
Astrophobia, or fear of space, is a relatively common phobia. It may take different forms, from fear of aliens to fear of space exploration. Read on for more information on the fear of space.
Fears of Failure and Success
Fear of failure and success are related conditions that can prevent you from reaching your full potential. Read on for a description of the two disorders.
Fear of failure and success are related conditions that can prevent you from reaching your full potential. Read on for a description of the two disorders.
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 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 hypochondriasis.
Mythophobia
Mythophobia, or fear of folklore legends and stories, is a fairly common specific phobia. The phobia is often used in horror films and Halloween events, generally in a stylized manner. Read on for the facts behind the Hollywood presentation of mythophobia.
Mythophobia, or fear of folklore legends and stories, is a fairly common specific phobia. The phobia is often used in horror films and Halloween events, generally in a stylized manner. Read on for the facts behind the Hollywood presentation of mythophobia.
Trypanophobia
Trypanophobia, or fear of needles, is a relatively common phobia. It affects an estimated 10% of Americans. The phobia is unusual, as it can cause low blood pressure and fainting rather than fast heart rate and panic.
Trypanophobia, or fear of needles, is a relatively common phobia. It affects an estimated 10% of Americans. The phobia is unusual, as it can cause low blood pressure and fainting rather than fast heart rate and panic.