Specific phobias

Specific phobias are intense fears triggered by particular objects or situations, such as flying. They are thought to affect around seven percent of men and sixteen percent of women, though many people never seek help if they can avoid the trigger.

Genetic factors and an overly sensitive autonomic nervous system may contribute to phobias, while learning theory explains how fears can be acquired through frightening experiences, by observing others, or through a natural readiness to fear certain objects.

Poor social skills can also contribute to social phobia, while obsessive-compulsive disorder involves intrusive thoughts and repeated behaviours, often beginning in childhood or adolescence and linked to suppressing anxious impulses.