Frequently Asked Questions

Fear is a natural emotional response to perceived threats that protects us from harm, whereas phobias are excessive fear and anxiety related to a specific object or situation, that is disproportionate to the danger you might face. Typically, phobias are a response to something that isn’t a threat and can often appear to others as ‘irrational’. Usually, phobias cause physical responses such as sweating, shaking etc when just thinking about the object or situation. People with phobias can become avoidant of the specific trigger and it can impact on their quality of life, whereas fear doesn’t tend to cause such an effect on behaviour or lifestyle.

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As a child we observe and learn about fear through our own experiences, whilst witnessing other people’s reactions and interactions too. Our early experiences shape our thinking and beliefs therefore to a certain degree how we have seen others react to potential threats or triggers can influence our thinking and subsequent behaviour. However, as with most mental health disorders there is a complex interplay of biological, psychological and social factors that could lead to someone developing a phobia. Research has suggested that parents can transmit fears to their children which could increase the likelihood of that person developing a phobia. In that sense, if a parent or close person demonstrated effective coping strategies the child might be less likely develop phobias.

Someone can develop a phobia following a traumatic event or vicarious trauma (through the eyes of others). For example, if someone witnessed or experienced a car accident, they might be more likely to develop a phobia in relation to that trauma (Amaxophobia – the scientific term for fear of being in or driving a vehicle). In that sense, if you were to receive therapeutic support e.g. counselling following that trauma, a phobia might be ‘prevented’. However, there are other complex factors that feed into the likelihood of developing a specific phobia.

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Approximately 400 specific phobias have been identified throughout history, with their own unique symptoms and causes. Phobias are typically categorised as one of the four categories below:

• Animals
• Natural environment
• Physical, bodily and medical
• Situational

Research would suggest that specific fears around animals (zoophobia), fear of being in situations in which you feel helpless (agoraphobia), and fear of heights (acrophobia) are the most common.

No matter whether a phobia is common or rare the impact they have on a person’s life must not be underestimated.

Find out more information about phobias

Approximately 400 specific phobias have been identified throughout history, with their own unique symptoms and causes. Phobias are typically categorised as one of the four categories below:

• Animals
• Natural Environment
• Physical, bodily and medical
• Situational

There are numerous rare specific phobias such as the fear of making decisions (decidophobia), fear of chewing gum (chiclephobia) and the fear of cheese (turophobia).

No matter whether a phobia is common or rare the impact they have on a person’s life must not be underestimated.

Find out more information about phobias

Some research has indicated that the risk of developing anxiety disorders such as phobias, can be elevated in the months following a traumatic experience. Moreover, some of the symptoms of PTSD can mirror those of phobias which can complicate diagnosis.     

Find out more information about Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and phobias

Sometimes people confuse phobias and panic disorder, especially because they share symptoms that can impact on one’s daily life. However, they are separate conditions and have their own distinct set of diagnostic criteria. The most marked difference between them is the trigger. People with phobias will experience intense anxiety when thinking or being presented with a specific fear. Whereas those living with panic disorder don’t tend to have a specific fear. That being said, it is possible to have a co-occurring diagnosis of both phobia and panic disorder.

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People sometimes use the terms anxiety and panic attack interchangeably but they are very different. Whilst there are similarities in symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, tightened breathing and feeling of unease, they differ in intensity, duration and causation.

Panic attacks vary in terms of length, but the majority last between 5 minutes to 20 minutes. Some have reported panic attacks lasting for up to an hour, and you can experience a series of panic attacks after one another. If you experience repeated and multiple panic attacks you might have a panic disorder or generalised anxiety disorder – speak to your GP or the NHS and they can support you to receive help and a diagnosis.

Panic attacks can be extremely frightening and distressing but it is important to remember they are not dangerous. Panic attacks are not life threatening and whilst some of the symptoms might make you feel like you are having a heart attack your life is not in danger. Panic attacks usually subside after 5 minutes. It is important to not ignore panic attacks if you are experiencing them on a regular basis or if they are impacting on your quality of life. Contact your GP so that you can access the support you need from a mental health professional.

Whilst some of the symptoms of a panic attack can mimic the symptoms of a heart attack the two are very different.

Physiologically, panic attacks happen when stress hormones trigger your fight, flight or freeze response which elevates your heart rate. A heart attack happens when there is insufficient blood flow bringing much needed oxygen to your heart.

It is important to know that panic attacks are not life threatening – unlike heart attacks which are considered a medical emergency.

If you are unsure which you might be experiencing generally the following applies:

• Onset: Panic attacks can happen at anytime whether resting or sleeping, whereas heart attacks tend to develop after a period of exertion.
• Duration: Once a panic attack subsides, after several minutes (up to an hour) you tend to feel immediately better, whereas with heart attacks the pain tends to intensify.
• Location: Intense pain during a heart attack can be felt in your chest, arm, shoulders, neck and/or jaw and whilst the pain may move and vary in intensity it doesn’t go away; whereas panic attacks subside eventually.
• Pain characteristics: Heart attacks are associated with the feeling that your chest is being squeezed whereas panic attacks are more sharp or stabbing pains.

If you have a family history of heart conditions, it is advisable as a precaution to seek medical attention if you are unsure whether you are experiencing a panic attack or heart attack.

People living with an anxiety disorder or depression may have a higher risk of developing heart problems so if you are experiencing chest pain or symptoms of a heart attack do seek medical advice from your GP.

It is common for people experiencing panic attacks to become fearful of another attack due to their intensity and sudden onset. This can lead to modifying behaviours such as avoidance of an anxiety provoking situation which in the long-term could be unhelpful depending on the impact to your daily life. The intensity of a panic attack brings various distressing physical changes and emotional responses, but it is important to remember that you are not in danger and the panic attack will gradually cease.

Not everyone who experiences a panic attack will go on to develop a panic disorder. However, if you have regular or recurring panic attacks and worry about having another panic attack you are more likely to be diagnosed with a panic disorder. If you are uncertain whether your panic attacks could be a panic disorder do seek help from your doctor.

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