List of Phobias: Common Phobias From A to Z

Phobias are intense, irrational fears of specific objects or situations that trigger an immediate anxiety response. The American Psychiatric Association classifies phobias into three primary categories:

• Specific phobias: Fear of specific objects or situations (e.g., fear of heights, fear of spiders, or fear of flying).
• Social phobias: Fear of social situations due to the anticipation of criticism or embarrassment (e.g., fear of public speaking, fear of parties, or fear of meeting new people).
• Agoraphobia: Fear of being in open or crowded spaces from where escape might be difficult (e.g., fear of shopping malls, fear of driving, or fear of leaving home).

This article provides an extensive list of some of the most common specific phobias, categorized alphabetically from A to Z. It also briefly touches upon the symptoms, causes, and treatment of phobias.

A–Z List of Some of the More Common Specific Phobias

1. Acrophobia: Fear of heights
2. Aerophobia: Fear of flying
3. Agoraphobia: Fear of open or crowded spaces
4. Ailurophobia: Fear of cats
5. Arachnophobia: Fear of spiders
6. Astrapophobia: Fear of thunder and lightning
7. Bacteriophobia: Fear of bacteria
8. Claustrophobia: Fear of confined spaces
9. Coulrophobia: Fear of clowns
10. Cynophobia: Fear of dogs
11. Dentophobia: Fear of dentists
12. Emetophobia: Fear of vomiting
13. Entomophobia: Fear of insects
14. Glossophobia: Fear of public speaking
15. Hemophobia: Fear of blood
16. Hydrophobia: Fear of water
17. Nyctophobia: Fear of the dark
18. Ophidiophobia: Fear of snakes
19. Social Phobia: Fear of social situations
20. Trypanophobia: Fear of needles or injections
21. Zoophobia: Fear of animals

Symptoms of Phobias

• Anxiety and panic attacks
• Avoidance or excessive efforts to avoid the feared situation or object
• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Increased heart rate and sweating
• Nausea and dizziness
• Trembling or shaking
• Feelings of unreality or detachment
• Fear of losing control or dying

Causes of Phobias

• Genetic predisposition
• Traumatic experiences or conditioning
• Environmental factors
• Psychological factors, such as personality traits and learned behaviors

Treatment for Phobias

• Exposure therapy
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Hypnotherapy
• Relaxation techniques
• Medications (in some cases)

A Word From Verywell

Phobias can significantly impair a person's life and well-being. However, they are treatable. Seeking professional help is crucial for managing and overcoming phobias. With proper treatment, most individuals with phobias can learn to manage their fears and live full and fulfilling lives.