Specific Phobia

1. Marked and persistent fear that is excessive or unreasonable cued by exposure or anticipation of exposure to feared object. 2. Exposure to phobic stimulus induces immediate anxiety reaction. Note children may evidence crying, tantrums, freezing, or clinging 3. Pt recognizes symptoms are excessive 4. Phobic stimuli are avoided or endured at an emotional cost 5. Symptoms significantly interfere with pt’s life 6. If under age of 18, symptoms must be evident for 6 months

Subtypes a. Animal b. Natural Environment (e.g., heights, water) c. Blood/Injection/Injury d. Situational (airplanes, elevators, enclosed places) e. Other (chocking, contracting illness)

American Psychiatric Association. (1994). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (4th ed.). Washington, DC: Author