Podcast
Questions and Answers
What characterizes a specific phobia?
What characterizes a specific phobia?
- A rational fear of a harmful stimulus
- A fear that diminishes with exposure to the feared object
- A general anxiety manifesting in social situations
- An exaggerated fear of a specific object or situation (correct)
Which demographic is more likely to experience specific phobias?
Which demographic is more likely to experience specific phobias?
- Men in late adulthood
- Men in their early 30s
- Women in early childhood (correct)
- Women in their mid-20s
At what age do blood-injection-injury type and natural environment type phobias commonly first appear?
At what age do blood-injection-injury type and natural environment type phobias commonly first appear?
- In early adulthood
- During adolescence
- Between ages 5-9 (correct)
- After age 30
What is a common comorbidity found alongside specific phobia?
What is a common comorbidity found alongside specific phobia?
Which statement about the prevalence of specific phobias is true?
Which statement about the prevalence of specific phobias is true?
Flashcards
Specific Phobia
Specific Phobia
An intense and irrational fear of a specific object, situation, or place that is out of proportion to the actual danger posed.
Panic Attacks in Specific Phobia
Panic Attacks in Specific Phobia
Exposure to the feared stimulus or even anticipating it can trigger panic attacks, characterized by intense fear, physical symptoms, and a sense of impending doom.
Common Comorbidity
Common Comorbidity
Specific phobia often co-occurs with other mental health disorders, such as anxiety disorders, mood disorders, and substance use disorders.
Specific Phobia Prevalence
Specific Phobia Prevalence
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Gender Differences
Gender Differences
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Study Notes
Specific Phobia
- Specific phobia is an irrational fear of an object, place, or situation that's out of proportion to its actual danger. It leads to avoidance of these triggers.
- Diagnosis requires significant anxiety, possibly panic, upon exposure.
- The person recognizes the fear as excessive and illogical, causing substantial distress.
- Exposure or even the anticipation of the trigger can provoke panic attacks.
Epidemiology
- Specific phobias are the most prevalent mental disorders, affecting an estimated 5-10% of the population.
- Lifetime prevalence of specific phobia is 10%.
- Specific phobia is the most frequent mental illness in women and the second most common in men (following substance use disorders).
- The prevalence is 14-16% in women, twice as high as in men (5-7%) in cases of blood-injection-injury-related phobias.
- Blood-injection-injury phobia and natural environment type phobias typically emerge between ages 5-9, although onset can be later.
- Situational phobia (excluding fear of heights) usually appears in the mid-20s (similar to agoraphobia's typical onset).
Comorbidity
- Common co-occurring conditions include anxiety disorders, mood disorders, and substance use disorders.
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