Part 2/7:
Before diving into specific phobias, it’s crucial to define what a phobia is. Unlike regular fears, phobias are classified as anxiety disorders in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). They involve irrational fears where the distress quotient greatly outweighs the actual threat. These phobias fulfill specific criteria, including causing significant distress, provoking immediate anxiety when confronted, and leading to persistent avoidance of the feared situation over six months or more.