10 Fun Facts About Phobias

A phobia is defined as an uncontrolled, often irrational fear of a particular object, situation or activity. Sometimes the fear is so intense that a person might go to great lengths just to avoid the object of fear. While phobias might seem insignificant or trivial to some people, they can be extremely overwhelming for people suffering from them. In this article, we’ll explore some unknown yet fascinating details about phobias, revealing their origins, prevalence and complexity.

• There are more than 500 phobias

Believe it or not, psychologists and mental health professionals have identified close to 500 phobias broadly divided into three categories, such as social phobia, agoraphobia and specific phobias. While agoraphobia and social phobia are quite well-known, there are various types of specific phobias ranging from fear of dogs (cynophobia) to the lesser-known fear of bathing (ablutophobia)

• Phobias aren’t ordinary fears

While they may look quite similar, phobias differ significantly from ordinary fears. Ordinary fear is often a natural reaction to a danger or threat and is likely to reduce when the threatening situation is over; however, phobias trigger overwhelming anxiety and distress in situations that may not be inherently dangerous. For example, someone with acrophobia (fear of heights) might panic just by looking out of a high window.

• Phobias are quite common

Although they might seem rare, phobias can be quite common as well. It is reported that almost 12.5% of adults in the US suffer from a specific phobia at some point in their lives. Research suggests almost 65 lakh people in India suffer from social phobia or social anxiety, suggesting that social phobia can be quite common. 

• Phobias can be learned

Sometimes phobias can be acquired or learned, especially if someone has experienced a traumatic or difficult childhood. For example, a child bitten by a dog may grow up with a fear of dogs. Children can also learn phobias when they see adults around them fearing certain objects or situations

• Phobias can be genetic

While environmental factors play a significant role in the development of phobia, genetic factors are involved as well. Research suggests that twins raised differently have a higher chance of developing the same phobia as compared to others. Phobias may also run in families whereby people whose close relatives, like parents or siblings, have some form of anxiety or panic disorder are at an increased risk for phobia. 

• Even celebrities have phobias

Celebrities are humans, and thus they aren’t immune to phobias. Many famous Indian actors have opened up about their phobias. Ajay Devgn, for instance, has talked about his fear of elevators, while Abhishek Bachchan is said to have a fear of fruits, or fructophobia and actress Katrina Kaif has a fear of tomatoes (Lycopersicoa phobia)

• Some phobias can be strange

While certain phobias, such as fear of snacks or dogs, are quite common, other phobias might seem quite unbelievable or strange, such as nomophobia (fear of being without your phone) or photophobia (fear of money)

• Phobias have been around for ages

While the term phobia might be popular today, the concept of phobia has been around for a long time. In fact, the first documentation of phobia seems to be around 600 B.C.E., when it was believed that the emperor Hercules had a fear of large water bodies and drowning.

• Phobias may be a part of human evolution

You might find it hard to believe, but phobias may be a natural part of evolution necessary for human survival. The preparedness theory of phobia suggests that humans are biologically programmed to quickly fear certain objects or situations that can be a threat to their survival, making it easy for us to acquire fears of animals, spiders and snacks as they can be threatening.

• Phobias can be treated

The good news is that phobias don’t have to restrict you from living your life. Therapies like exposure and response prevention (ERP), cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) and sometimes medications can be highly effective in helping people overcome their fears.  

Conclusion:

  Phobias go beyond ordinary or irrational fear. They are a combination of various factors such as environment, genetics and even human evolution. They can affect people of all ages and social status. However, the good news is that phobias can be cured with a mix of psychotherapy, self-care and medication, so if you are suffering from a phobia, consider seeking help at the earliest.  

References:

 

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