10 Most Common Phobias - 10 Most Common Phobias

The 10 Most Common Phobias

Phobias can be debilitating. They can interrupt our day and prevent us from enjoying the company of others. But, it's important to realize that phobias are not genetic. They are learned reactions to events. Fortunately, any learned reaction can be modified. Below, you'll find the 10 most common phobias that affect people.

Arachnophobia

Spiders usually make people feel uncomfortable. But, the extreme fear of spiders is actually one of the most widespread phobias. It's commonly thought that nearly 50% of women and 10% of men are afflicted with this fear.

Socialphobia

This is one of the most socially-devastating phobias. Often it's mistaken for extreme shyness. In reality, socialphobia is an intense discomfort around people. While large crowds can be terrifying for someone with this phobia, even small groups of 2 or 3 people can be acutely uncomfortable.

Aerophobia

Some people are horrified at the prospect of flying. Typically, these people also suffer from an intense fear of heights. While some can calm their nerves during air travel with sedatives, others prefer to simply drive to their destinations, despite the obvious inconveniences of doing so.

Agoraphobia

People who suffer from agoraphobia are petrified of being in unfamiliar places and surrounded by unfamiliar people. Often, this is related to being in areas where an escape route is unclear. When confronted with this situation, those afflicted with agoraphobia can experience panic attacks.

Claustrophobia

This phobia is the terror of occupying small, enclosed areas. Elevators, closets and any other tightly-restricted space can trigger a response.

Acrophobia

This is an intense terror of heights. Often, it's a learned reaction from being trapped in a high situation from which there is no easily-accessible route down. The reaction usually manifests as a panic attack that leads to an inability to move.

Emetophobia

Those who fear vomiting (either of themselves or watching others vomit) suffer from emetophobia. Often thought to be a learned reaction to a vomiting event after food poisoning or similar circumstances, emetophobia can be effectively resolved with proper treatment and counseling.

Carcinophobia

Those who fear cancer suffer an irrational thought process that makes them uncomfortable of having any contact with people who are afflicted with cancer. They often mistakenly believe that cancer is contagious.

Brontophobia

Most common in children, this phobia also affects adults. Those who have this phobia fear thunderstorms. While thunder is usually the trigger, many brontophobes become uncomfortable at the sight of thunderclouds gathering.

Necrophobia

Necrophobia is the extreme fear of dead things and death itself. While most commonly triggered by seeing (or thinking about) dead animals and humans, some necrophobes even fear dead flowers and bones.

Getting Past The Fear

People are affected by dozens of phobias. Of course, some are more common than others. But, most of them are debilitating in some way. With proper treatment and counseling, most phobias can be resolved so those who are suffering from them can live normal, fulfilling lives.