• Video
  • Shop
  • Culture
  • Family
  • Wellness
  • Food
  • Living
  • Style
  • Travel
  • News
  • Book Club
  • Newsletter
  • Privacy Policy
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • Terms of Use
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Contact Us
  • © 2026 ABC News
  • News

What Is The Difference Between Anxiety And Phobia?

ByCathy Frank, M.D., Director, Outpatient Behavioral Health Services, Henry Ford Hospital
April 15, 2008, 9:38 PM

— -- Question: What is the difference between anxiety and phobia?

Answer: A phobia is a type of anxiety. It's an irrational, unreasonable fear of an object or situation. Common phobias may be fear of the heights, dark, fear of certain animals such as snakes or spiders, or fear of blood -- some people get frightened of having their blood drawn when they go to see their doctor.

Many of us have these and often they originate in childhood. But they becomes a phobic disorder -- or known as specific phobia -- when that fear is so great and the worry about encountering a snake or a spider or a dark place makes our life miserable and makes us unable to function.

Next: In What Disorders Do People Experience Abnormal Or Excessive Anxiety?

Previous: What Is The Difference Between Having An Anxiety Disorder And Feeling Stressed-Out?

Up Next in News—

Iconic record producer Clive Davis dies at 94

June 22, 2026

'Cheers' director James Burrows dies at 85

June 20, 2026

Anne Hathaway reveals pregnant with 3rd child, baby bump in new Instagram video

June 19, 2026

'Grandmother of Juneteenth' Opal Lee says efforts are being made to erase Black history

June 19, 2026

Shop GMA Favorites

ABC will receive a commission for purchases made through these links.

Sponsored Content by Taboola

The latest lifestyle and entertainment news and inspiration for how to live your best life - all from Good Morning America.
  • Contests
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Children’s Online Privacy Policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • About Nielsen Measurement
  • Press
  • Feedback
  • Shop FAQs
  • ABC News
  • ABC
  • All Videos
  • All Topics
  • Sitemap

© 2026 ABC News
  • Privacy Policy— 
  • Your US State Privacy Rights— 
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy— 
  • Interest-Based Ads— 
  • Terms of Use— 
  • Do Not Sell My Info— 
  • Contact Us— 

© 2026 ABC News