Irrational Fears: 6 of the Most Common Phobias

Previously, we laid bare some of the most common phobias experienced by people all over the world; but the list is far from over. Here are a few more phobias that haunt the days of those affected by them (and perhaps you might be one of them). If you feel afflicted with any of them, book an appointment with a top psychiatrist in Pakistan.

1- Social Phobia:

Also known as Social Anxiety Disorder, afflicted individuals, like agoraphobics, suffer anxiety attacks when faced with social situations like parties or even something as simple as eating in public. Such individuals believe that they are under constant scrutiny by others, hence leading to avoidance of such situations. The fear of public speaking is a prevalent offshoot of social phobia.

2- Claustrophobia-Fear of Tight Spaces:

Most often a manifestation of past trauma involving being trapped in tight, dark spaces, claustrophobia may also result from underestimating horizontal distances from an individual’s body. Since affectees tend to display fear and look for exits in closed rooms, claustrophobia is often confused with Cleithrophobia (fear of being trapped).

3- Aerophobia-Fear of Flying:

Experiencing repeated in-flight turbulence, and an innate fear of plane crashes and dying while airborne without leaving behind any evidence of their bodies can cause many individuals to dread flights, or even avoid them altogether.

4- Acrophobia-Fear of Heights:

Just as claustrophobic may incorrectly perceive horizontal dimensions, those suffering from acrophobia may develop an immobilizing fear of looking down from high places, like ladder tops and roofs, due to overestimating vertical distances coupled with a fear of falling. Those suffering from vertigo (a nauseating, spinning sensation) may also develop this phobia.

5- Astraphobia-Fear of Thunder and Lightning:

Affected individuals show signs of a panic attack like hyperventilation, shaking, and screaming when faced with, or even hearing, a thunder or lightning storm. While some simply find tight hiding places to weather the storm, others go so far as to obsessively track the weather for possible storms. Astrophobics may eventually develop agoraphobia in fear of encountering a thunder or lightning storm.

6- Cynophobia-Fear of Dogs:

Unlike other phobias on this list, cynophobia is closely rooted in a childhood trauma experience involving dogs, usually being bitten or chased by one. Within animal phobias, it has the most impact on an individual’s daily life due to the prevalence of these animals. Examples include avoiding streets known to have dogs and unwillingness to befriend dog-owners. However, some individuals may fear only a specific breed or breed of dogs instead of the species as a whole.

Phobias are highly common and just as easily treatable via therapy, medication, or both. If fear disrupts and governs your daily life, do not hesitate to contact a specialist. You can also book an appointment with a top Psychologist in Islamabad, Karachi and Islamabad through oladoc.com, or call our helpline at 042-3890-0939 for assistance to find the RIGHT Doctor for your mental health concerns.