What are the symptoms of phobia?

Phobia, as a psychological disorder characterized by excessive fear, mainly manifests in symptoms such as specific object fear, avoidance behaviors, accompanying physiological responses, anxiety generalization, and impaired social functioning. The emphasis on these symptoms may vary among different patients. A detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Specific Object Fear: Patients experience intense fear toward particular objects or situations, such as animals, heights, enclosed spaces, or social settings. This fear far exceeds normal emotional reactions. Even when fully aware that there is no real danger, individuals are unable to control their internal panic and instantly become tense when confronted with the feared object.

2. Avoidance Behavior: To alleviate fear, patients deliberately avoid anything associated with the feared object. For example, someone with acrophobia may refuse to take elevators in high-rise buildings, while those with social phobia may avoid gatherings. Some may even restrict their range of activities for fear of encountering the triggering stimulus, causing avoidance behavior to gradually become a daily routine.

3. Accompanying Physiological Responses: When facing the feared object, individuals often exhibit noticeable physical reactions such as rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, pallor, cold hands and feet, and sweating. Some may also experience dizziness, nausea, or muscle stiffness. These physiological symptoms can intensify the internal sense of fear, creating a vicious cycle.

4. Anxiety Generalization: If fear remains unaddressed over time, anxiety tends to generalize. Patients not only feel fearful in the presence of the specific trigger but also remain in a persistent state of tension and unease in daily life. They constantly worry about the sudden appearance of feared situations, making it difficult to relax or feel at ease.

5. Impaired Social Functioning: Frequent avoidance behaviors and ongoing anxiety can severely affect social functioning. Patients may struggle to work or study normally, maintain interpersonal relationships, or even independently complete everyday tasks such as shopping or seeking medical care. Over time, this leads to a shrinking social circle and increased psychological stress.

In daily self-management, individuals can try gradual exposure exercises to reduce fear—starting with viewing images or reading about the feared object, then slowly building tolerance. Talking openly with trusted individuals to gain emotional support, along with techniques like deep breathing and meditation, can help manage acute anxiety and gradually improve the overall condition.