Specific Phobias
For a normal person, the fear of high places, the darkness of the night, or the look of a creepy spider is common fear which all of us will experience in day-to-day life. Most of us may try avoiding these uncomfortable experiences but still manage to control our fears and continue with our daily lives.
Unfortunately there are people who suffer from specific phobias. They are so overwhelming and completely illogical, that they make every effort to avoid public areas, circumstances, or even objects despite knowing that no real threat or danger. Often, this fear does not make sense and the sufferer remains powerless to resist. Generally, anyone who suffers from any of the extreme symptoms of fear in the presence or in anticipation of a specific object, or situation has a condition called specific phobia.
Most phobia sufferers will do almost anything to avoid the frightening experience. They typically lead strained relationships, have poor self-esteem, make poor employees and lead disrupted lives. The majority of phobias are formed during childhood, while others happen without warning during the teenage years or early adulthood. The anxiety attacks can happen suddenly and may occur in conditions where there were no symptoms previously. The list of phobias that people commonly suffer from range from fear of animals, insects, heights, driving to being trapped in small places. Just the mere thought of the phobia can bring on chaos to the sufferer and those around them.
Agoraphobia
About one in three people with panic disorder develops agoraphobia. Agoraphobia attacks individuals whereby they have a fear of suffering a panic attack in circumstances or places where it has occurred previously. This condition usually strikes sufferers in public places or a venue of large social gathering. It is in these places that the sufferer feels like there is no room for escape that the anxiety caused by this disorder sets in. The sufferer typically feels like his reality is shrinking around him. This puts him on his guard anxiously awaiting the next panic attack. Some individuals of this disorder only stick to routines and will not risk anything outside their comfort zone. Adventure is seen as stigma and a route they will never take.