Skip to main content

Warning notification:Warning

Unfortunately, you are using an outdated browser. Please, upgrade your browser to improve your experience with HSE. The list of supported browsers:

  1. Chrome
  2. Edge
  3. FireFox
  4. Opera
  5. Safari

Symptoms - Phobias

A phobia is when a person has a strong and irrational fear of something specific. They may feel it is dangerous when it is not.

They can have a fear of an object, place, situation, feeling or animal. This causes anxiety.

If a phobia becomes very severe, a person may do things to avoid what causes them anxiety.

Symptoms

A phobia is a type of anxiety. You may not have any symptoms until you come into contact with the source of your phobia.

But in some cases, even thinking about the source of a phobia can make a person feel anxious or panicky. This is known as anticipatory anxiety.

Physical symptoms

The physical symptoms of anxiety and panic can include:

  • sweating
  • trembling
  • hot flushes or chills
  • shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • a choking sensation
  • rapid heartbeat (tachycardia)
  • pain or tightness in the chest
  • a sensation of butterflies in the stomach
  • nausea
  • headaches and dizziness
  • feeling faint
  • numbness or pins and needles
  • dry mouth
  • a need to go to the toilet
  • ringing in your ears
  • confusion or disorientation

Psychological symptoms

In severe cases, you may also experience psychological symptoms, such as:

  • fear of losing control
  • fear of fainting
  • feelings of dread
  • fear of dying

If you do not come into contact with the source of your phobia very often, it may not affect your everyday life.

But if you have a complex phobia, such as agoraphobia, leading a full life may be very difficult.

Types of phobias

There are 2 types of phobia:

  • simple phobias
  • complex phobias

Simple phobias

A simple phobia is an irrational and strong fear of something. This could be a specific object, animal, situation or activity.

It commonly develops in childhood and usually becomes less severe as you get older.

Examples of simple phobias include:

  • animal phobias - such as dogs, spiders, snakes or rodents
  • environmental phobias - such as heights, deep water and germs
  • situational phobias - such as visiting the dentist or flying
  • bodily phobias - such as blood, vomit or having injections
  • sexual phobias - such as a fear about being able to have sex or getting a sexually transmitted infection (STI)

Complex phobias

A complex phobia can be more disruptive to your life and stop you from doing things.

Complex phobias usually develop during adulthood. They are often linked with a deep-rooted fear or anxiety about a particular situation.

It can have a negative effect on your everyday life and wellbeing.

The 2 most common complex phobias are:

  • agoraphobia
  • social phobia

Agoraphobia

Agoraphobia is commonly known as fear of open spaces. But someone with agoraphobia can feel anxious in other places. These include places where escaping may be difficult during a panic attack.

You might feel fear of:

  • going outside
  • leaving your home
  • being left alone (monophobia)
  • being in places where you feel trapped (claustrophobia)

The symptoms of agoraphobia can vary in severity.

Some people can feel very fearful and anxious if they have to leave home to go to the shops. Others may feel okay about travelling short distances from their home.

Agoraphobia

Social phobia

If you have a social phobia, thoughts of being seen in public or going to social events can make you feel:

  • frightened
  • anxious
  • embarrassed

Avoiding meeting people in social situations is a sign of social phobia. In severe cases, this can get so difficult it can stop you doing your everyday activities.

Social phobia

Treating phobias

Both simple and complex phobias can be treated successfully. Treatment options include talking therapies and self-help techniques. In some cases medicine may be prescribed to treat the anxiety caused by a phobia.

It can often take some time to overcome a complex phobia.

Treatment of phobias

Content supplied by the NHS and adapted for Ireland by the HSE

Page last reviewed: 1 May 2025
Next review due: 1 May 2028