‘Phobia’ is an extreme or irrational fear of something. Scientists say that phobics realize their fear is irrational and not justified, but it cannot help.
Mere sight or sound of an animal, object, or any situation or event that is not all harmful can still trigger panic attacks and severe anxiety.
It can be a spider in the wardrobe or sight of blood in the hospital. Anxiety associated with such things starts as a conditioned reflex.
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