Many people with phobias will alter their behavior to avoid confronting their fear.
Phobias. Phobias are an exaggerated fear of a particular object, animal, or situation that does not pose a significant threat. Common phobias include fear of spiders, dentists, or flying on airplanes. Phobias are the most common type of anxiety disorder. A person with a phobia will develop anxiety symptoms, such as sweating, shaking, racing heart, and shortness of breath, upon encountering the source of their phobia. Many people with phobias will alter their behavior to avoid confronting their fear. More women than men are affected by phobias.