It is normal to be scared of some things, like thunder or giving a speech in front of lots of people. However, when the fear is so bad that it disrupts everyday life, it is called a phobia. A phobia is a very intense fear that won't go away. Some people have phobias of bugs, closed-in spaces or social situations. Phobias can affect people's lives because they prevent people from carrying on everyday activities. In extreme cases, a phobia can cause a panic attack.

• What is a panic attack?
• What are the more common phobias?
• What about fear of the dark?
• Why do people develop phobias?
• How are phobias treated?

What is a panic attack?

A panic attack is a physical reaction to a fear or phobia. Panic attacks usually don't last very long, but they often feel like forever for the person who's experiencing them. Even if the person knows not be afraid, they can still feel intense fear. Symptoms of a panic attack include:

• A faster heartbeat
  
• Dizziness
  
• Difficulty breathing
  
• Shaking or sweating
  
• Feeling hopeless or closed-in

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What are the more common phobias?

There are many types of phobias, but the more common ones include:

• Social phobia: The fear of being embarrassed in social situations, such as talking to grown ups or giving speeches. There is a difference between shyness and social phobia. If a person is shy they might feel more comfortable when they are not in large groups of people or the center of attention. However, if a person has social phobia, they will do everything they can to avoid social situations and they might have a panic attack if they are in a social situation.
  
• Agoraphobia: The fear of having a panic attack in public place because it could be very embarrassing. People with agoraphobia may avoid public places that are crowded.
  
• Claustrophobia: The fear of a closed-in space, such as an elevator or a plane. People with claustrophobia try to avoid small spaces.
  
• Arachnophobia: The fear of spiders.
  
• Ablutophobia: The fear of baths, showers or washing.
  
• Atelophobia: The fear of things that aren't perfect.
  
• Hypsiphobia (also called acrophobia): The fear of heights.
  
• Zoophobia: The fear of animals.

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What about fear of the dark?

Being afraid of the dark is a problem that some kids and teens face-and as a result, some are afraid of sleeping in the dark. Many people use nightlights in their rooms or keep nightlights on outside their rooms if they are afraid of the dark. This is completely fine to do as a teen or adult-whether you are afraid or just want to be able to see the floor when you venture out of your room late at night.

Other people are afraid of the dark outside, where things are much more unknown. This fear is actually more of the unknown (who or what is outside) than of the dark itself. In this case, carry a flashlight if you will be in the dark and travel with a friend or family member. To be safe, if you are alone in the dark, call a parent or trusted adult to come get you-don't risk it.

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Why do people develop phobias?

Doctors think that a tendency to develop phobias could be genetic. This means that if someone in your family has a phobia, you could have one too. Phobias can also be caused by a trauma or big change, such as a divorce, move or illness. If you have a phobia, don't worry-phobias can be treated.

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How are phobias treated?

To treat a phobia, doctors often refer the patient to a psychologist, therapist or psychiatrist, who specializes behavioral therapy. Some people try slowly becoming comfortable with their fear a little at a time. For example, someone afraid of spiders could start by looking at pictures of spiders, then looking at real spiders, and eventually holding or touching one. There are also medicines to treat phobias.

You can also try to problem solve on your own or with your family. Together, you and your family can come up with solutions such as conditioning yourself to feel more comfortable around things you are afraid of by experiencing them only a little bit at a time. Fears do not have to run your life in any way and you can learn to control them.


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