Do I Have a Phobia?

Take this quiz to see if you show the signs.

Everyone has fears, but how do you know if that fear qualifies as a phobia? Fear is a natural, automatic response to danger. A phobia is an intense and usually unrealistic fear of a situation, activity, object, animal, or person.

We’re here to help you find out if you may have a phobia and explain more about the most common fears and phobias, what the difference is between them, and how to handle both.

A person in front of a plain white background hides her head inside her shirt in fear.

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Questions Overview

1. Do you feel an intense fear when exposed to a specific situation, activity, object, animal, or person?
  1. Yes
  2. Sometimes
  3. Rarely
  4. No
2. Does your fear feel irrational or out of proportion to the actual level of danger?
  1. Yes
  2. Sometimes
  3. Rarely
  4. No
3. Do you experience symptoms like lightheadedness, nausea, sweating, increased heart rate, shortness of breath, trembling, or upset stomach when thinking about or facing your fear?
  1. Yes
  2. Sometimes
  3. Rarely
  4. No
4. Do you experience panic or panic attacks when facing or thinking about what you fear?
  1. Yes
  2. Sometimes
  3. Rarely
  4. No
5. Does your fear interfere with your daily life or activities?
  1. Yes
  2. Sometimes
  3. Rarely
  4. No
6. Do you avoid the object, animal, person, or situation you’re afraid of?
  1. Yes
  2. Sometimes
  3. Rarely
  4. No
7. Do you worry about encountering what you’re afraid of, even if that’s unlikely to happen?
  1. Yes
  2. Sometimes
  3. Rarely
  4. No
8. Do you often think about your fear, what would happen if you encountered it, and/or how to avoid it?
  1. Yes
  2. Sometimes
  3. Rarely
  4. No
9. Do you dread and fret over experiences in which you have to face your fear?
  1. Yes
  2. Sometimes
  3. Rarely
  4. No
10. Are you unable to face the object, animal, person, or situation you’re afraid of?
  1. Yes
  2. Sometimes
  3. Rarely
  4. No
11. Does encountering your fear feel traumatic and/or terrifying?
  1. Yes
  2. Sometimes
  3. Rarely
  4. No
12. Do you worry that other people might notice that you are anxious or fearful when encountering what you’re afraid of?
  1. Yes
  2. Sometimes
  3. Rarely
  4. No

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The most common phobias are either simple and specific (snakes, spiders, dogs, heights, flying, thunder and lightning, needles or injections, and germs) or complex (social anxiety<\/b>, which is a fear of social situations, especially when speaking or performing in front of a crowd, or agoraphobia<\/b>, which is fear of open or crowded spaces that may be difficult to escape).","edit_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Overcome-a-Phobia"},{"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Use-Cognitive-Behavioral-Therapy"}],"link_data":[{"title":"How to Overcome a Phobia","id":151414,"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Overcome-a-Phobia","image":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/bd\/Overcome-Your-Fears-Through-Visualization-Step-10-Version-2.jpg\/-crop-200-200-200px-Overcome-Your-Fears-Through-Visualization-Step-10-Version-2.jpg","alt":"How to Overcome a Phobia"},{"title":"How to Use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy","id":1020748,"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Use-Cognitive-Behavioral-Therapy","image":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/5d\/Use-Cognitive-Behavioral-Therapy-Step-28.jpg\/-crop-200-200-200px-Use-Cognitive-Behavioral-Therapy-Step-28.jpg","alt":"How to Use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy"}],"minimum":0},{"text":"It\u2019s likely that you have a phobia.","meaning":"It seems like your fear sometimes impacts your daily life, which is a sign that it could be progressing to a phobia. We know this is tough, and recommend reaching out to a mental health professional for diagnosis and support.

There are many effective strategies that people have successfully used to overcome a phobia. Many people find that by practicing confronting irrational beliefs and negative thoughts, they\u2019re able to gain power over their fear or phobia. Some people, too, visualize themselves experiencing the thing that frightens them, and then they imagine a positive, successful outcome. In short: there are so many proven, effective ways to combat fear and phobias\u2014we\u2019ve included resources to help you get started below.","edit_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Overcome-a-Social-Phobia"},{"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Overcome-a-Driving-Phobia"}],"link_data":[{"title":"How to Overcome a Social Phobia","id":57489,"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Overcome-a-Social-Phobia","image":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/38\/Overcome-a-Social-Phobia-Step-24.jpg\/-crop-200-200-200px-Overcome-a-Social-Phobia-Step-24.jpg","alt":"How to Overcome a Social Phobia"},{"title":"How to Overcome a Driving Phobia","id":876807,"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Overcome-a-Driving-Phobia","image":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/7d\/Overcome-a-Driving-Phobia-Step-13.jpg\/-crop-200-200-200px-Overcome-a-Driving-Phobia-Step-13.jpg","alt":"How to Overcome a Driving Phobia"}],"minimum":0},{"text":"It\u2019s unlikely that you have a phobia.","meaning":"It seems like your fear doesn\u2019t impact your daily life much, so it\u2019s probably not considered a phobia. However, you can take steps to overcome your fear, no matter what it is.

Take some time to think or journal about what caused your fear and when you first experienced it. Naming your fear and exploring its origin and how it impacts your life can help you overcome it. Consider the actual risk you face when confronted with your fear, and try gradually exposing yourself to it if you feel up to doing so. Name your fear in the moment and practice relaxation techniques, like deep breathing, to help calm your nervous system.","edit_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Overcome-Fear"},{"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Overcome-Your-Fear-of-Public-Speaking"}],"link_data":[{"title":"How to Overcome Fear","id":40333,"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Overcome-Fear","image":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/03\/Overcome-Fear-Step-16-Version-4.jpg\/-crop-200-200-200px-Overcome-Fear-Step-16-Version-4.jpg","alt":"How to Overcome Fear"},{"title":"How to Overcome Your Fear of Public Speaking","id":90714,"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Overcome-Your-Fear-of-Public-Speaking","image":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/ef\/Overcome-Your-Fear-of-Public-Speaking-Step-20.jpg\/-crop-200-200-200px-Overcome-Your-Fear-of-Public-Speaking-Step-20.jpg","alt":"How to Overcome Your Fear of Public Speaking"}],"minimum":0},{"text":"It\u2019s very unlikely that you have a phobia.","meaning":"While you may have a fear, it doesn\u2019t seem to have progressed to a phobia, which is a good thing. It\u2019s very normal to be afraid of things that pose danger, like spiders or heights. Fear is the body\u2019s natural response to a threat, and it can help keep you safe. Even so, you can work on overcoming your fear by consciously trying to relax when experiencing fear. Try deep breathing exercises or repeating a mantra like, \u201cI am not in danger,\u201d or \u201cI am safe.\u201d","edit_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Face-Your-Fears"},{"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Overcome-the-Fear-of-Flying"}],"link_data":[{"title":"How to Face Your Fears","id":669351,"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Face-Your-Fears","image":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/6d\/Face-Your-Fears-Step-20-Version-2.jpg\/-crop-200-200-200px-Face-Your-Fears-Step-20-Version-2.jpg","alt":"How to Face Your Fears"},{"title":"How to Overcome the Fear of Flying","id":35879,"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Overcome-the-Fear-of-Flying","image":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/99\/Overcome-a-Fear-of-Flying-Step-34-Version-2.jpg\/-crop-200-200-200px-Overcome-a-Fear-of-Flying-Step-34-Version-2.jpg","alt":"How to Overcome the Fear of Flying"}],"minimum":0}]" class="quiz_results_data"/>\"Social<\/picture>","alt":"Social Anxiety Test"},{"title":"Depression Test","id":13624617,"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Depression-Test","image":"\"Depression<\/picture>","alt":"Depression Test"},{"title":"Why Am I So Tired Quiz","id":13500176,"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Why-Am-I-So-Tired-Quiz","image":"\"Why<\/picture>","alt":"Why Am I So Tired Quiz"}],"number":1},{"text":"I want some fun ways to help me learn about myself.","result":"Got it! Here are some expert-reviewed self-discovery quizzes for you:","next_quizzes":[{"title":"Right Brain vs Left Brain Test","id":13844549,"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Right-Brain-vs-Left-Brain-Test","image":"\"Right<\/picture>","alt":"Right Brain vs Left Brain Test"},{"title":"Introvert or Extrovert Quiz","id":13737789,"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Introvert-or-Extrovert-Quiz","image":"\"Introvert<\/picture>","alt":"Introvert or Extrovert Quiz"},{"title":"Chronotype Quiz: What's Your Natural Sleep Cycle?","id":13487407,"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Chronotype-Quiz","image":"\"Chronotype<\/picture>","alt":"Chronotype Quiz: What's Your Natural Sleep Cycle?"}],"number":2}]}" class="quiz_questionnaire_data"/>

The Difference Between a Phobia and a Fear

Fear is a basic human emotion that everyone will experience at some point in their lives. It is a natural response to danger that can help protect people. When danger is sensed, the nervous system is activated, resulting in physical sensations including increased heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory rate. The brain sends blood to the large muscle groups to prepare the “fight or flight” response and the body begins to sweat to cool itself.

The physical reaction to a perceived threat happens instantly, which is why people may feel fear even if they aren’t actually facing danger (such as if they’re startled). It takes the brain a few seconds to register the situation and shut down the fear response if it’s not needed.

Phobias are more persistent, overwhelming fears that impact a person’s daily life. While the physical experience is similar, phobias are intense, lasting fears in response to something that is usually not actually dangerous.

Phobias are divided into two types: simple and complex. Simple, or specific, phobias involve an object, animal, person, or situation. For instance, people may have phobias to specific animals (spiders or snakes), environmental conditions (heights or germs), situations (flying in an airplane or visiting a doctor), people (a dentist or clown), or bodily functions and experiences (vomit, blood, or injections).

There are two common types of complex phobias. The first is social anxiety disorder, or social phobia. People with social anxiety disorder tend to fear social situations, especially if they will be critiqued or judged or have the potential to be embarrassed or humiliated. Some people fear speaking, performing, or presenting in public, while others have a more generalized fear of social situations including school, work, gatherings, events, and parties.

The second complex type is agoraphobia, which is an intense fear of venturing into unknown environments, which people with this phobia tend to think are unsafe. Many people with agoraphobia are afraid of experiencing a panic attack when in an unfamiliar situation, especially if they can’t easily escape the situation. People with agoraphobia tend to fear being in public, crowds, open spaces, traveling, being alone, and being on a bridge or in an elevator. In extreme cases, people with agoraphobia will avoid leaving their homes due to their overwhelming fear.

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  • Anonymous

    May 7

    "Very true. I have agoraphobia."
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