Phobias

A phobia is a lasting and unreasonable fear of a specific object or situation. The fear of confronting that object or situation leads to intense anxiety, stress and nervousness, although it poses no real threat or danger to you in any way. You may even recognize that your fear is irrational but that does not help you to overcome it. 

There are several types of phobias. They may involve an object or an animal. There is also a kind of phobia known as situational phobia, which is the fear of being in a specific situation such as flying (Aviophobia), being in closed spaces (Claustrophobia), or driving in a car (Amaxophobia). Some examples of natural environment phobias include fear of rain (Ombrophobia), heights (Batophobia) or thunder (Tonitrophobia). 

There are several other types of phobias, which could involve anything from fear of blood (Haemophobia), music (Melophobia), darkness (Nyctophobia) etc. 

The exact causes of phobias are unknown but they are sometimes known to be inherited from one or both parents. ​​

When to seek expert advise

If you have an unreasonable fear of a situation or object that may seem ordinary and mundane to other people, and are constantly feeling worried and anxious about confronting such a situation, seek help from your doctor working with the Department of Psychiatry​ at The Aga Khan University Hospital.

For a preliminary examination, you can consult doctors from the Department of Family Medicine at The Aga Khan University Hospital.