Sources & References According to the American Psychiatric
Association, a phobia is an uncontrollable, irrational, and
persistent fear of a specific object, situation, or activity.
The fear experienced by people with phobias can be so great that
some individuals go to extreme lengths to avoid the source of
their fear. One extreme response to the source of a phobia can
be a panic attack. Every year, approximately 19 million
Americans experience one or more phobias that range from mild to
severe. Phobias can occur in early childhood, but usually are
first evident between the ages of 15 and 20 years. They affect
both genders equally, although men are more likely to seek
treatment for phobias. Research suggests that both genetic and
environmental factors contribute to the onset of phobias.
Specific phobias have been associated with a fearful first
encounter with the phobic object or situation. The question
still exists, however, whether this conditioning exposure is
necessary or if phobias can develop in genetica