Fear is an ancient and universal emotion. It can be defined as the sensation that one is in danger, that something bad is about to happen. Fear is almost always accompanied by a host of physical symptoms. When it is not justified by the presence of real danger or a threat, or by a rational cause, and when it is also accompanied by a persistent avoidance of the situations which lead to it, it is called a phobia. Phobias occur in several forms. A phobia is a repeated, unrealistic, paralyzing fear of a particular object or situation. Phobic disorders are classified as part of the group of anxiety disorders, which includes panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Anxiety disorders are not just a case of "nerves." One cannot overcome an anxiety disorder through willpower alone, nor can the symptoms be ignored or wished away. Anxiety disorders cause the person to feel anxious most of the time, making some seemingly simple situations so uncomfortable, the person may avoid them entirely. .
By definition, phobias are irrational and they interfere with one's everyday life or daily routine. If a person's fear of high places prevents them from crossing necessary bridges to get to work, that fear is irrational. If a fear prevents a person from enjoying life, preoccupies their thinking so they are unable to work, or sleep or do the things they need to do, then it becomes irrational. "One key to diagnosing a phobic disorder is that the fear must be excessive and disproportionate to the situation. Most people who fear heights would not avoid visiting a relative who lived on the top floor of a tall building; a person with a phobia of heights would. Fear alone does not distinguish a phobia; both fear and avoidance must be evident." (Lefton, L.A.,1997).
A phobia is an intense, unrealistic fear of an object, an event, or a feeling. An estimated 18 percent of the U.
