Mental Health

Monsters in the Closet: 5 Most Popular Phobias

An irrational and/or excessive fear of specific objects, people, or situations, phobias are among the most common psychiatric conditions worldwide, according to the American Psychological Association. Of the 700+ documented and recognized phobias, some are shared by more people than others, as the following list shows:

1- Arachnophobia-Fear of Spiders:

Despite the fact that only a dozen of the 35,000 currently known spider species pose any actual threat to humans, arachnophobia continues to be one of the leading phobias, particularly in women. The fear of all things spider, even realistic imagery, is generally attributed towards our cave-dwelling ancestors who feared spiders and other such creatures due to being unable to treat injuries inflicted by them.

2- Ophidiophobia-Fear of Snakes:

As with most animal fears, only a small number of individuals actually fear snakes due to an unpleasant past experience. A large number of phobics have never come in contact with the reptile, and usually cite feelings of disgust, disease, and contamination associated with such creatures as the cause behind their petrifying fear. The embedded survival instincts mentioned above may also be a causative factor.

3- Agoraphobia-Fear of Panic Attacks:

Previously understood as a fear of crowded areas and open spaces where an individual may feel vulnerable and exposed, agoraphobia is initiated by an unexpected panic attack, which leads to complete avoidance of the attack location. In extreme cases individuals may become shut-ins to avoid the anxiety and public embarrassment of a recurrence.

4- Trypanophobia-Fear of Injections:

Induced by the sterile and non-homely environment of most hospitals and clinics during childhood visits, those suffering from trypanophobia often look for medicinal alternatives to injections and avoid medical visits as much as possible. Such avoidances have a direct impact on body health, making therapy imperative. Trypanophobia may also be a resurgence of the early man’s fear of stab wounds.

5- Mysophobia-Fear of Germs:

Mysophobes are obsessed with cleanliness due to a fear of germs and dirt. While one end of the spectrum comprises of extreme cleaning, compulsive hand and body-washing, carrying around disinfectants, and wearing gloves to avoid contact with ‘infected’ surfaces, affected individuals on the opposite end may even develop agoraphobia due to the belief that the outside world is highly contaminated. Even though the obsession with cleanliness is merely a facet of OCD, mysophobia is often confused with the mental disorder, and vice-versa.

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 Psychiatrist in Karachi, Multan 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.

Disclaimer: The contents of this article are intended to raise awareness about common health issues and should not be viewed as sound medical advice for your specific condition. You should always consult with a licensed medical practitioner prior to following any suggestions outlined in this article or adopting any treatment protocol based on the contents of this article.

Recent Articles

کیا ہے اور کیوں استعمال کی جاتی ہے؟ Rapicort Tablet Uses in Urdu

ایک سٹیرایڈ دوا ہے۔ یہ دوا مختلف سوزش کی حالتوں کے علاج کے لیے استعمال…

Published On August 27, 2025

Antibiotic Misuse in Pakistan: A Silent Health Crisis

Pakistan is facing growing risks of antibiotic resistance caused by widespread misuse of antibiotics for…

Published On August 26, 2025

کیا ہے اور کیوں استعمال کی جاتی ہے؟ Provas-N Tablet Uses in Urdu

ایک دوا ہے جو پٹھوں کے درد اور کھچاؤ کو دور کرنے کے لیے استعمال…

Published On August 21, 2025

5 Best Collagen Supplements In Pakistan [2025]

Collagen is essential for the body. Among other benefits, it helps support hair, joints, skin, nails,…

Published On August 20, 2025

کیا ہے اور کیوں استعمال کی جاتی ہے؟ Onset Tablet Uses in Urdu

  ایسی دوا ہے جو متلی اور الٹی کے علاج کے لیے استعمال کی جا…

Published On August 18, 2025

Nasal Polyps and Allergic Fungal Rhinosinusitis (AFRS): A Clinical Overview

Nasal polyps and allergic fungal rhinosinusitis (AFRS) commonly coexist, and are chronic inflammatory conditions that…

Published On August 18, 2025
Find & Book the best "Psychiatrist" near you
Book Appointment