How Common Are Phobias?
What Are Phobias?
A phobia is an intense, persistent fear of a specific object, situation, or activity that is out of proportion to the actual danger. Phobias often lead to strong anxiety responses and avoidance behaviors that can interfere with daily life.
Phobias are classified as a type of anxiety disorder and are highly treatable with evidence-based therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and exposure therapy (American Psychiatric Association, 2013).
Common types of specific phobias include fear of flying, fear of hospitals, fear of heights, fear of animals, and fear of medical procedures.
How Many People Have Phobias?
Phobias are very common across the world:
In the United States, about 9.1% of adults experience a specific phobia each year—this equals approximately 23 million people (National Institute of Mental Health, 2023).
Worldwide, it's estimated that 5% to 10% of the global population experiences a specific phobia at some point in their lives (World Health Organization, 2017).
Phobias can vary widely in severity. Some individuals experience mild anxiety, while others feel intense fear that significantly disrupts their daily lives.
A Compassionate Next Step
If fear or phobia has been limiting your life, you're not alone—and you don't have to navigate it alone. Whether you're dealing with a specific fear like fear of flying, fear of hospitals, or another phobia, evidence-based therapy can help you face fear with confidence and reclaim the life you want.
Schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation to learn more about how therapy can help. We'll talk about your goals, explore your concerns, and discuss how we can work together in a supportive, empowering way. Click here to book your free consultation.
Facing fear is brave. Reclaiming your freedom is possible. Let's take the first step together.
References:
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425596
National Institute of Mental Health. (2023). Specific Phobia. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/specific-phobia
World Health Organization. (2017). Depression and Other Common Mental Disorders: Global Health Estimates. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/depression-global-health-estimates