• 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—

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