As seen with other anxiety disorders, SP is typically accompanied by a host of avoidance behaviors. For example, individuals with claustrophobia may avoid elevators and take stairs instead. Individuals with a fear of flying may skip an important family wedding across country. Those with a fear of needles may avoid doctors altogether.

Many people are scared of objects or situations. However, individuals with SP present with a distressing and impairing pattern of fear when confronted with the feared object or situation, or exhibit avoidance behavior that significantly hampers quality of life and functioning.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is the gold-standard psychological treatment for SP. It consists of psycho-education, exposure exercises, cognitive restructuring, and more. CBT can work for the full range of different phobias.