DrQuit University

Halloween is a great time of the year to express your deepest and darkest fears to scare loved ones and quite possibly the entire neighborhood with elaborate decorations on the front lawn.  

However, what if you are constantly plagued by irrational fears that disrupt your everyday life without any help from your eager loved ones or neighbors’ creepy creations?

Well, just in time for Halloween, I will provide you with a list of the most common types of phobias and their prevalence among adults in the United States.  Before the list, however, I figured we’d start with some basic information regarding phobias.

What is a Phobia?

A phobia is an uncontrollable, irrational, and lasting fear of a certain object, situation, or activity. This fear can be so overwhelming that a person may go to great lengths to avoid the source of this fear. One response can be a panic attack.This is a sudden, intense fear that lasts for several minutes. It happens when there is no real danger.

Who is Affected by Phobias?

About 19 million Americans have one or more phobias that range from mild to severe. Phobias can happen in early childhood. But they are often first seen between ages 15 and20. They affect both men and women equally. But men are more likely to seek treatment for phobias.

What Causes Phobias?

Research suggests that both genetic and environmental factors contribute to the start of phobias. Certain phobias have been linked to a very bad first encounter with the feared object or situation. Mental health experts don’t know if this first encounter is necessary or if phobias can simply occur in people who are likely to have them.

With the informational portion of this article out of the way, it’s the time you’ve all been waiting for.  Here is a list of the ten most common phobias and their prevalence in the United States.

Top 10 Phobias in Ascending Order

1) Agoraphobia: Fear of Public Spaces or Crowds 

-1.3% of US Adults

2) Aerophobia: Fear of Flying

- 2.5% to 6.5% of US Adults

3) Arachnophobia: Fear of Spiders

- 3% to 15% of US Adults

4) Acrophobia: Fear of Heights

- 6.4% of US Adults

5) Sociophobia: Fear of Social Judgment

-  7.1 % of US Adults

6) Hypochondria: Fear of Illness

- 8.5% of US Adults

7) Claustrophobia:Fear of Tight or Crowded Spaces

- 12.5% of US Adults

8) Entomophobia: Fear of Insects

- 35.8% of US Adults

9) Dentophobia: Fear of Dentists

- 36% of US Adults

10) Glossophobia:Fear of Public Speaking

- 75% of US Adults

If certain phobias are causing you anxiety especially during the Halloween season, contact DrQuit forsame-day appointments.  Medication can even be prescribed during your first visit. 

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So, if you want to quit feeling anxiety due to your irrational phobias, book an appointment with DrQuit.

Remember, phobias are irrational fears. Booking a doctor’s appointment shouldn’t be.

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We are here for you every step of the way

DrQuit, your First Step…because you’re worth it.

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