A phobia is a reaction triggered by an internal or external stimulas which causes the body’s “fight or flight” response to activate. Phobias are extremely common, and can range in intensity from person to person.

Here is the criteria for a phobia:

1. Marked and constant fear that is either excessive or unreasonable, cued by the presence or anticipation of a specific stimulas. e.g. An animal, receiving an injection, seeing blood…
2. Exposure to the phobic stimulas almost invariably provokes an immediate anxiety response.
3. The person recognises that the fear is excessive or unreasonable.
4. The phobic stimulas is avoided or else is endured with intense anxiety or distress.
5. The distress, avoidence or anxiety associated with the stimulas interferes significantly with the person’s normal routine, occupational functioning, or social activities or relationships, or there is a marked distress about having the phobia.

This entry is filed under Glossary. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.