What is a phobia?

A phobia is defined as a persistent and irrational fear of a specific situation or object. This means that the fear experienced is not proportionate to the actual danger posed by the situation or thing that triggers it. Individuals with a phobia often go to great lengths to avoid the phobic stimulus, which can significantly impact their daily lives and activities.

Different from general anxiety or mood disorders, phobias are characterized by their fixation on particular stimuli, which can range from common fears like heights (acrophobia) to more unusual ones like the fear of glitter (pauto-phobia). The irrational aspect highlights how the fear is not based in logic, as many phobias persist even when someone understands that their fear may be unfounded. This specificity is what makes phobias distinct in the field of psychology and mental health.