What is the difference between phobias and fears

You agree that we have no liability for any damages. What is Fear? Emotional Reaction In this stage, the response is more subjective as most people avoid situations that may lead to fear but some seek this emotion. What is Phobia? The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition DSM 5 classifies phobia under anxiety disorders with the following diagnostic criteria: Significant anxiety regarding an object, animal, or situation such as needles, dogs, or public speaking.

Survival Fear is generally vital for survival as it alerts creatures regarding actual danger. Danger Real danger triggers fear while an anticipated threat triggers phobia. Duration of Emotional Response Fear dissipates when the source of danger is not present.

Instinct As compared to phobia, fear is more associated with instincts as it is a primitive emotional response to something aversive or unfamiliar as babies are born with fear responses. Managing the Emotional Response People who experience fear can easily manage their discomfort as they can still carry on with their daily routine after the threat disappears.

Terminologies As compared to fear, phobia is more associated with various terminologies as they come in hundreds such as coulrophobia fear of clowns , sciophobia fear of shadows , and panophobia fear of everything. Anxiety Level Fear is characterized by mild to moderate sometimes reasonably high anxiety while phobia is distinguished by a very high anxiety level since it is an anxiety disorder which is coupled with equally very high avoidance and anticipatory behaviors.

Rumination Unlike fear, phobia is characterized by persistent rumination of the threat. Fear vs Phobia: Comparison Chart Summary of Fear vs Phobia Fear and phobia are both characterized by emotional responses which involve physical reactions such as increased heart, breathing, and pulse rate. The two stages of fear are biochemical and emotional reactions. Fear is key for survival while phobia impairs daily functioning. Fear is triggered by real danger while phobia is caused by imagined threats.

Dancing, drumming, and running can be especially effective at relieving anxiety. Sight — Look at anything that relaxes you or makes you smile: a beautiful view, family photos, cat pictures on the Internet. Sound — Listen to soothing music, sing a favorite tune, or play a musical instrument.

Or enjoy the relaxing sounds of nature either live or recorded : ocean waves, wind through the trees, birds singing. Smell — Light scented candles. Smell the flowers in a garden. Breathe in the clean, fresh air. Spritz on your favorite perfume. Taste — Slowly eat a favorite treat, savoring each bite.

Sip a cup of coffee or herbal tea. Chew on a stick of gum. Enjoy a mint or your favorite hard candy. Touch — Give yourself a hand or neck massage. Cuddle a pet. Wrap yourself in a soft blanket. Sit outside in the cool breeze. When fear or anxiety starts to carry you away, meditating can help stop it in its tracks. And with regular practice, meditation boosts activity in the area of the brain responsible for feelings of serenity, helping to quell fear and panic before they strike.

The anxious thoughts that trigger and fuel phobias are usually negative and unrealistic. By writing down the negative thoughts you have when confronted by your phobia, you can begin to challenge these unhelpful ways of thinking.

Many times, these thoughts fall into the following categories:. Fortune telling. All dogs are dangerous. The plane is going to crash! Use the following example to get started. There are air vents which would stop the air from running out.

Could you do anything to resolve this situation if it does occur? For example:. Authors: Melinda Smith, M. Craske, M. Lancet London, England , , — Walter, H. Anxiety Disorders. American Psychiatric Association. NHS Inform. Fears and Phobias — Information geared to teenagers about fears, phobias, and treatment. NAMI Helpline — Trained volunteers can provide information, referrals, and support for those suffering from anxiety disorders in the U.

Call National Alliance on Mental Illness. For example, if you have a phobia of crowds, just thinking about a crowd could trigger shaking or sweating. One of the first things to determine is how your specific fear or phobia impacts your life. E can determine if you have a fear or phobia. We can also diagnose and treat co-occurring mental health conditions such as anxiety. At Allied Psychiatry and Mental Health, we offer both adult and adolescent psychiatric services.

Schedule an appointment at our office in Newport Beach, California, by calling You can also visit our website to schedule an appointment. Is your child struggling with ADHD? Read on to learn the three main ways you can help your child thrive with ADHD. List of Partners vendors. Fear is a normal and healthy part of life.

In fact, fear plays an important role in keeping us from entering harmful situations and helping us decide when to get out of situations that are not necessarily the best. Under normal circumstances, fear can be managed through reason and logic. It does not take over our lives or cause us to become irrational.

A phobia, however, twists the normal fear response into something that is persistent and difficult or impossible to control. It is easy to become afraid of almost anything. Fear is generally, although not always, based on a negative experience with the object or circumstance in question.

For example, if you were attacked by a dog as a child, you may still be afraid of dogs today. Sometimes fear is learned from someone else, such as a child who has a fear of spiders because of her mother's reactions. Whatever the object of fear, you may become distressed or uncomfortable when you confront that object.

If you are afraid of flying , for example, you may become jittery or anxious when you board an airplane. You may self-medicate, perhaps by indulging in a preflight drink, but you are able to manage your symptoms and get on with your life.

You may prefer to travel by car or train but will fly when it is necessary or practical. If you have a diagnosable phobia of a specific object or situation, your response will be more extreme.

You will likely be miserable during the entire flight, as every bit of turbulence renews your panic. If your phobia is more severe, you will simply be unable to board a flight at all.

You will go far out of your way to avoid flying—even canceling vacations or business trips if there is no alternate form of transportation. You may be unable to even visit an airport to drop off or pick up a friend. You may even become anxious when planes fly overhead.