Phobias: symptoms, causes and treatment options

If a phobia is starting to control your life, making everyday situations feel overwhelming or difficult, you’re not alone. Phobias are more common than many people realise, and they can affect your confidence, relationships and daily wellbeing.

At Priory, we offer specialist treatment for phobias, combining evidence-based therapies like CBT with personalised support from experienced mental health professionals. Whether you’re living with a specific fear or a complex phobia such as agoraphobia or social anxiety, we can help you take steps towards regaining control.

What is a phobia?

A phobia is an intense and persistent fear of a specific object, situation, feeling or environment. It goes beyond ordinary fear, causing significant distress and avoidance behaviours that can interfere with everyday life.

To be classed as a phobia, symptoms usually:

• Last for six months or more
• Trigger a fear response that is out of proportion to the actual danger
• Cause disruption to your daily life (for example, avoiding travel, social situations or medical treatment)
• Are not better explained by another mental health condition

Phobias can develop at any age, though many start in childhood or adolescence.

Types of phobias

Phobias are usually grouped into two main categories:

Specific (simple) phobias

These are fears of particular things or situations. Common examples include:

• Animals (e.g. spiders, dogs, snakes)
• Nature (e.g. storms, water, heights)
• Medical (e.g. blood, injections, dentists)
• Situational (e.g. flying, driving, enclosed spaces)

Complex phobias

These are generally more disruptive to everyday life. Two common examples are:

• Agoraphobia: fear of being in situations where escape might be difficult, such as crowded places, public transport or open spaces.
• Social phobia (social anxiety disorder): intense fear of social situations, often linked to worries about embarrassment, judgement or humiliation.

Common phobias we treat

We support people with many different phobias, including:

• Flying (aviophobia)
• Vomiting (emetophobia)
• Spiders (arachnophobia)
• Public speaking
• Medical procedures (needles, blood tests)
• Crowds or public transport (agoraphobia)
• Social situations (social phobia)
• Heights (acrophobia)
• Driving
• Claustrophobia (fear of enclosed spaces)

If your phobia isn’t listed here, we may still be able to help. Our programmes are designed to support a wide range of specific and complex phobias.

Causes of phobias

Phobias often develop because of a combination of genetic and environmental factors, such as:

• Trauma or negative experiences – a frightening or distressing event, particularly in childhood, can trigger a lasting fear.
• Learned behaviour – seeing a parent or loved one react with fear can influence your own responses.
• Genetic or biological factors – some people may have a naturally more anxious temperament or a family history of anxiety disorders.
• Environmental influences – ongoing stress, low self-esteem or social pressures can make people more vulnerable.

How we treat phobias at Priory

Our treatment plans are tailored to your specific fears and personal circumstances.

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)

CBT helps you understand how your thoughts, feelings and behaviours are connected. It gives you practical tools to challenge unhelpful thinking patterns and respond to feared situations in a healthier way.

Exposure therapy

Also called desensitisation or graded exposure, this involves gradually facing your fear in a safe, supportive setting. Over time, it can reduce anxiety and avoidance. We may also use interoceptive exposure, where you experience certain physical sensations (such as a racing heart) to help reduce fear of bodily symptoms linked to panic.

Medication

In some cases, medication can support therapy by easing symptoms so you can focus more effectively on treatment. This might include:

• SRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) to help regulate mood
• Beta-blockers to reduce physical symptoms in anxiety-provoking situations
• Short-term sedatives (e.g. benzodiazepines), used only when clinically appropriate

Medication is often combined with therapy to support long-term progress.

Support for co-existing conditions

Phobias can occur alongside other mental health issues such as depression or generalised anxiety disorder. We take a holistic approach, ensuring all relevant conditions are addressed.

What to expect from treatment

When you come to Priory for phobia treatment, you can expect:

• A detailed initial assessment to understand your symptoms and goals
• A personalised plan designed around your needs
• Structured support to gradually reduce avoidance behaviours
• Practical tools to manage anxiety long-term
• Ongoing guidance from experienced mental health professionals

We offer both in-person and online therapy options for flexibility.

Why choose Priory?

• Nationwide network of hospitals and wellbeing centres
• Highly experienced therapists specialising in CBT and anxiety disorders
• Flexible treatment options, including online sessions
• Evidence-based care for both specific and complex phobias
• Support for co-existing mental health conditions