Phobias are excessive or unreasonable fears that can be triggered by the presence or anticipation of a specific object or situation. While much is still not known about what causes specific phobias, research suggests that both genetic and environmental factors contribute to their onset. Some possible causes of phobias include:
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Past incidents or traumas: Certain situations might have a lasting effect on how you feel about them. For example, if you experienced a lot of turbulence on a plane at a young age, you might develop a phobia of flying.
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Learned responses from early life: Your phobia may develop from factors in your childhood environment. For example, you might have parents or guardians who are very worried or anxious. This may affect how you cope with anxiety in later life. You might develop the same specific phobia as a parent or older sibling.
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Experiencing long-term stress: Stress can cause feelings of anxiety and depression. It can reduce your ability to cope in particular situations. This might make you feel more fearful or anxious about being in those situations again. Over a long period, this could develop into a phobia.
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Genetic factors: Research suggests that some people are more vulnerable to developing a phobia than others.
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Frightening event or stressful situation: Phobias can develop during childhood, adolescence, or early adulthood and can be linked to a frightening event or stressful situation.
Phobias can be distressing and damaging to the affected persons daily life. If a specific phobia affects your daily life, several types of therapies are available to help you work through and conquer your fears.
