Question

What are the characteristics of a specific phobia?

Answer 1

A specific phobia is characterized by an extreme fear of an object or situation. The feared object or situation is avoided as much as possible, as exposure to it causes extreme anxiety. If one is not able to avoid the feared stimulus, then exposure to it is done with great distress and extreme anxiety, and may even culminate in a panic attack. Objects that are feared include insects and animals, and situations that are feared include heights and flying.