Specific Phobias involve intense fear and avoidance of a specific object or situation. Most people have some things that they are afraid of. However, people with a specific phobia also experience a strung urge to get away from and avoid their feared object or situation. Sometimes they are successful and can go about their lives relatively unaffected. However, for some people, the avoidance can become costly and negatively impacts their quality of life.

About 10 percent of the population will struggle with a specific phobia during their lifetime. While it is possible for people to have a specific phobia around any object of situation, the most commonly occurring specific phobias include:

• Fear of animals
• Fear of heights
• Fear of closed spaces
• Fear of blood and injuries
• Fear of storms and lighting
• Fear of flying

If you or a loved one is suffering from specific phobia, please know these types of fears are some of the most easily treated anxiety disorders.