Specific phobias are a type of anxiety disorder characterized by an intense, irrational fear of a specific object, situation, or activity. These fears are typically out of proportion to the actual danger posed by the feared object or situation. The fear is so overwhelming that it can significantly interfere with an individual's daily life, leading to avoidance behaviors and distress. Common examples of specific phobias include fear of heights (acrophobia), spiders (arachnophobia), flying (aviophobia), or enclosed spaces (claustrophobia). People with specific phobias experience intense anxiety or panic attacks when exposed to the feared object or situation, even if the situation poses no real threat.

The onset of specific phobias typically occurs in childhood or adolescence, although they can develop at any age. The phobia may be triggered by a traumatic or negative experience involving the feared object or situation, but in many cases, the exact cause is unclear. The anxiety can lead to avoidance of places or situations that might expose the individual to the source of their fear, limiting their social and occupational functioning.

Specific phobias are relatively common, affecting approximately 7-9% of the population at some point in their lives. They are more common in women than in men, with women being twice as likely to experience a specific phobia. The most common specific phobias include fear of animals (e.g., dogs, snakes), natural environments (e.g., storms, water), blood-injection-injury (e.g., needles, medical procedures), and situational phobias (e.g., flying, elevators).

The impact of specific phobias can vary, with some individuals able to manage their fears through avoidance, while others may experience significant distress and disruption in their personal and professional lives. Phobias often persist without intervention, and in some cases, they may worsen over time.