• 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 Are The Symptoms Of A 'Specific' Phobia?

ByBarbara Rothbaum, Ph.D., Director, Trauma and Anxiety Recovery Program, Prof. of Psychiatry, Emory University
April 15, 2008, 9:23 PM

— -- Question: What are the symptoms of a 'specific' phobia?

Answer: Specific phobia is characterized by avoidance and anxiety. People avoid what they're scared of or they endure it with great anxiety, and the anxiety that they experience is excessive. All of this avoidance and anxiety then interferes with their life and their normal functioning.

Typical specific phobias include the fear of heights, the fear of snakes, sometimes the fear of public speaking or fear of airplanes. But very often if people experience some anxiety, and they don't avoid it, it's normal and not considered a phobia.

Next: What Are The Symptoms Of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder?

Previous: What Are The Symptoms Of Social Anxiety Disorder?

Up Next in News—

United Airlines plane hits bakery truck during landing

May 4, 2026

Gas prices are up across the country. Here's where you'll find the most expensive -- and cheapest -- gas

May 2, 2026

Police officers hailed as heroes after New York house explosion

May 1, 2026

Artemis II astronauts on their out-of-this-world mission: 'Adventure of a lifetime'

April 30, 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