Phobias A to Z

Common Fears 2025 by
Geoffrey W Sutton & Artspace.ai

Phobias A to Z

A phobia is an anxiety disorder characterized by an intense, irrational, and persistent fear of a specific object, situation, or activity. This fear often leads to avoidance behaviors and significant distress, even when the perceived threat poses little or no actual danger. Phobias can interfere with daily functioning and are typically categorized into specific phobias (e.g., fear of spiders or heights), social anxiety disorder (fear of social situations), and agoraphobia (fear of open or crowded spaces).

For diagnosis and treatment options, contact a mental health professional. Treatments vary. Common treatments include Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Exposure Therapy, Relaxation training and sometimes medication.

This post is for educational purposes and not for diagnosis or treatment.

A List of Phobias

A

Ablutophobia: Fear of bathing or washing

Achluophobia: Fear of darkness

Acrophobia: Fear of heights

Aerophobia: Fear of flying

Agoraphobia: Fear of open spaces or crowds

Aichmophobia: Fear of needles or pointed objects

Alethophobia: Fear of the facts or truth

Algophobia: Fear of pain

Amaxophobia: Fear of riding in a car

Androphobia: Fear of men

Anemophobia: Fear of air

Anginophobia: Fear of angina or choking

Angrophobia: Fear of anger

Anthrophobia: Fear of flowers

Anthropophobia: Fear of people

Apeirophobia: Fear of infinity or eternity

Aphenphosmphobia: Fear of being touched

Aquaphobia: Fear of water

Arachibutyrophobia: Fear of peanut butter

Arachnophobia: Fear of spiders

Arithmophobia: Fear of numbers

Astraphobia: Fear of thunder and lightning

Astrophobia: Fear of space (the universe)

Ataxophobia: Fear of disorder or an untidy setting

Atelophobia: Fear of imperfection

Athazagoraphobia: Fear of being forgotten, being ignored or replaced

Atychiphobia: Fear of failure

Automatonophobia: Fear of human-like figures

Autophobia: Fear of being alone

B

Bacteriophobia: Fear of bacteria

Barophobia: Fear of gravity

Batophobia: Fear of being in a very tall building

Bathmophobia: Fear of stairs or steep slopes

Batrachophobia: Fear of amphibians

Belonephobia: Fear of pins and needles

Bibliophobia: Fear of books

Bogyphobia: Fear of the supernatural

Botanophobia: Fear of plants

Bromidrophobia: Fear of smelling bad

Brumotactillophobia: Fear of food touching food

C

Cacophobia: Fear of ugliness

Carnophobia: Fear of meat

Catagelophobia: Fear of being ridiculed

Catoptrophobia: Fear of mirrors

Cellophobia: Fear of being unable to call someone

Chionophobia: Fear of snow

Chloephobia: Fear of newspapers (seeing, touching, smelling them)

Chrometophobia: Fear of spending money

Chromophobia: Fear of colors

Chronomentrophobia: Fear of clocks

Chronophobia: Fear of time

Chorophobia: Fear of dancing

Cibophobia: Fear of food possibly due to a traumatic experience such as choking or an allergic reaction

Claustrophobia: Fear of confined spaces

Cleithrophobia: Fear of being trapped

Climacophobia: Fear of climbing- often related to acrophobia

Coitophobia: Fear of sexual intercourse or sexual activity

Coulrophobia: Fear of clowns

Cyberphobia: Fear of computers

Cymophobia: Fear of waves such as ocean waves

Cynophobia: Fear of dogs

D

Daemonophobia: Fear of demons

Decidophobia: Fear of making decisions

Dementophobia: Fear of madness or insanity

Demophobia: Fear of crowds

Dendrophobia: Fear of trees

Dentophobia: Fear of dentists

Domatophobia: Fear of houses

Dysmorphophobia: Fear of deformity

Dystychiphobia: Fear of accidents

E

Ecclesiophobia: Fear of religious iconography or churches

Ecophobia: Fear of the home

Elurophobia: Fear of cats

Emetophobia: Fear of vomiting

Enochlophobia: Fear of crowds

Entomophobia: Fear of insects

Ephebiphobia: Fear of teenagers

Erotophobia: Fear of sex

Estigiophobia: Fear of hell

Equinophobia: Fear of horses

F

Frigophobia: Fear of cold or cold things

G

Gamophobia: Fear of marriage

Gephyrophobia: Fear of crossing bridges

Genophobia: Fear of sexual intercourse

Genuphobia: Fear of knees

Globophobia: Fear of balloons- especially popping (including seeing, touching, smelling them)

Glossophobia: Fear of speaking in public

Gnosiophobia: Fear of knowledge

Graphophobia: Fear of writing

Gynophobia: Fear of women

H

Hadephobia (also Stygiophobia): Fear of hell associated with religious punishment

Hagiophobia: Fear of religious saints

Hamartanophobia: Fear of sin

Haphephobia: Fear of touch

Heliophobia: Fear of the sun

Hemophobia: Fear of blood

Herpetophobia: Fear of reptiles

Hexakosioihexekontahexaphobia: Fear of the number 666

Hierophobia: Fear of priests

Hippopotomonstrosesquipedaliophobia: Fear of long words

Hydrophobia: Fear of water

Hypochondria: Fear of illness

I

Iatrophobia: Fear of doctors

Ichthyophobia: Fear of fish

Ideophobia: Fear of ideas or reason

Insectophobia: Fear of insects

K

Kenophobia: Fear of empty spaces also called horror vacui (Latin)

Kinesophobia: Fear of movement of being too active

Kleptophobia: Fear of being robbed or stealing

Koinophobia: Fear of having a common or ordinary, insignificant life

Koinoniphobia: Fear of rooms full of people

Koumpounophobia: Fear of buttons

L

Lethophobia: Fear of oblivion

Leukophobia: Fear of the color white

Lilapsophobia: Fear of tornadoes and hurricanes

Lockiophobia: Fear of childbirth

Logophobia: Fear of words or speech

Lygophobia: Fear of darkness

M

Mageirocophobia: Fear of cooking

Megalophobia: Fear of large things

Maieusiophobia: Fear of childbirth

Melanophobia: Fear of the color black

Microphobia: Fear of small things

Motorphobia (also Ochophobia): Fear of cars-including thinking about or being near cars 

Musophobia: Fear of mice or rats

Mysophobia: Fear of dirt and germs

N

Necrophobia: Fear of death or dead things

Neophobia: Fear of new experiences or things

Noctiphobia: Fear of the night

Nomophobia: Fear of being without your mobile phone

Nosocomephobia: Fear of hospitals

Nosophobia: Fear of disease- especially life-threatening

Numerophobia: Fear of numbers

Nyctophobia: Fear of the dark

O

Obesophobia: Fear of gaining weight

Ochophobia: Fear of cars-including thinking about or being near cars (also motorphobia)

Octophobia: Fear of the figure 8

Ombrophobia: Fear of rain

Ommetaphobia: Fear of eyes

Omniphobia: Fear of vague or unidentified evil

Ophidiophobia: Fear of snakes

Ornithophobia: Fear of birds

Osmophobia: Fear of smells

Ostraconophobia: Fear of shellfish

P

Panphobia: Fear of vague or unidentified evil

Pantophobia: Fear of an unknown evil

Papyrophobia: Fear of paper

Paraphobia: Fear of sexual perversion

Parturiphobia: Fear of childbirth

Pathophobia: Fear of disease

Pediophobia: Fear of dolls and similar figures

Pedophobia: Fear of children

Pendulaphobia: Fear of swinging objects like a pendulum

Pentaphobia: Fear of the number 5

Peniaphobia: Fear of poverty

Phasmophobia: Fear of ghosts

Philematophobia: Fear of kissing

Philophobia: Fear of love

Pittakionophobia: Fear of sticky labels or stickers

Phobophobia: Fear of phobias

Plutophobia: Fear of wealth

Podophobia: Fear of feet

Porphyrophobia: Fear of the color purple

Pteridophobia: Fear of ferns

Pteromerhanophobia: Fear of flying

Pyrophobia: Fear of fire

Q

Quintaphobia: Fear of the number five.

R

Radiophobia: Fear of radiation or X-rays

Religiophobia: Fear of religion or religious people and organizations

S

Sacrophobia: Fear of sacred objects

Samhainophobia: Fear of Halloween

Satanophobia: Fear of the devil or Satan

Sesquipedalophobia: Fear of long words

Scolionophobia: Fear of school

Scoptophobia: Fear of being stared at

Selenophobia: Fear of the moon

Siderodromophobia: Fear of trains

Sociophobia: Fear of social evaluation

Somniphobia: Fear of sleep

Stavrophobia: Fear of the sign of the Christian cross

Stygiophobia: Fear of hell associated with religious punishment (also hadephobia)

T

Tachophobia: Fear of speed

Taphophobia: Fear of being buried alive.

Technophobia: Fear of technology

Telephobia: Fear of phone calls (calling or receiving)

Teraphobia: Fear of monsters

Thalassophobia: Fear of large bodies of water or drowning

Theophobia: Fear of God or religion

Trichophobia: Fear of hair

Tokophobia: Fear of pregnancy and childbirth

Tomophobia: Fear of a medical procedure

Tonitrophobia: Fear of thunder

Trichopathophobia: Fear of hair disease

Trypanophobia: Fear of needles/injections

Trypophobia: Fear of holes

U

Uranophobia: Fear of heaven or the sky

V

Venustraphobia: Fear of beautiful women

Verminophobia: Fear of germs

Vestiphobia: Fear of clothing

W

Wiccaphobia: Fear of witches and witchcraft

X

Xanthophobia: Fear of the color yellow

Xenophobia: Fear of strangers or foreigners

Y

Yenophobia: Fear of the color yellow

Z

Zoophobia: Fear of animals

Zuigerphobia: Fear of vacuum cleaners including seeing and hearing them

References

Winerman, L. (2005). Figuring out phobia. Monitor on Psychology, 36(7), 96. This article explores the neurobiological underpinnings of phobias and their treatment. Retrieved from APA.

Curtis, G., Magee, W. J., Eaton, W. W., Wittchen, H.-U., & Kessler, R. C. (1998). Specific fears and phobias: Epidemiology and classification. The British Journal of Psychiatry, 173(3), 212-217. This study evaluates the prevalence and classification of specific phobias. Retrieved from Cambridge Core.

Milliner, E. L., & Farrell, L. J. (2014). Intensive cognitive-behavioral treatment for specific phobia in children and adolescents. Psychopathology Review, 1(1), 175-181. This review examines cognitive-behavioral treatments for childhood phobias. Retrieved from SAGE Journals.

Post Author

Geoffrey W. Sutton, Professor Emeritus of Psychology at Evangel University, holds a master’s degree in counseling and a PhD in psychology from the University of Missouri-Columbia. His postdoctoral work encompassed education and supervision in forensic and neuropsychology. As a licensed psychologist, he conducted clinical and neuropsychological evaluations and provided psychotherapy for patients in various settings, including schools, hospitals, and private offices. During his tenure as a professor, Dr. Sutton taught courses on psychotherapy, assessment, and research. He has authored over one hundred publications, including books, book chapters, and articles in peer-reviewed psychology journals. His website is https://suttong.com

ResearchGate articles

Amazon Author Page

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Anxiety and Psychology

Anxiety is a natural response to stress, characterized by feelings of worry, fear, or unease. While occasional anxiety is normal, persistent or excessive anxiety can interfere with daily life and may indicate an anxiety disorder. Symptoms often include restlessness, rapid heartbeat, difficulty concentrating, and physical discomfort.

Types of Anxiety

There are several types of anxiety disorders, including:

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Persistent and excessive worry about various aspects of life.

Social Anxiety Disorder: Intense fear of social situations and being judged.

Panic Disorder: Recurrent panic attacks with physical symptoms like chest pain and shortness of breath.

Agoraphobia: Fear of places or situations where escape might be difficult.

Separation Anxiety Disorder: Fear of being apart from loved ones.

Anxiety and Fear Compared

Anxiety and fear are closely related but may be distinct emotional responses. Both are part of our body's natural defense mechanism, but they differ in their triggers and how they manifest.

• Fear is an immediate reaction to a clear and present danger. It's often acute, instinctual, and specific, like the fear of encountering a snake or being in a dangerous situation. Fear triggers the "fight-or-flight" response, preparing the body to respond to a real threat.

• Anxiety, on the other hand, is more anticipatory and future-oriented. It arises from the possibility of danger, not necessarily its immediate presence. For instance, worrying about a speech you'll give next week or imagining a worst-case scenario are examples of anxiety. It tends to linger longer than fear and is often less specific, making it feel pervasive.

The two overlap because anxiety can sometimes arise as a result of fear, especially if past experiences have heightened sensitivity to certain triggers. While fear serves an evolutionary purpose to protect us from immediate harm, anxiety—when managed appropriately—can help us prepare for future challenges. However, chronic anxiety, unlike fear, can become debilitating if it persists without an actual threat.

Anxiety in the SCOPES Model of Analysis

The SCOPES model organizes psychological information for the purposes of research, clinical diagnoses, and treatment planning (Sutton, 2021). Following are some features of some types of anxiety associated with the holistic SCOPES model.

S Self

Negative self-evaluation or self-criticism.

Self-concept includes inadequacy or unworthiness

Self-concept includes a sense of failure

Self-doubting one’s abilities or decisions.

Self-evaluation by comparing oneself unfavorably to others.

C Cognition: Thoughts

Persistent worry or fear.

Difficulty concentrating or focusing.

Racing thoughts or overthinking.

Catastrophizing (expecting the worst).

Intrusive or obsessive thoughts.

E Emotions: Feelings

Overwhelming sense of dread or panic.

Irritability or restlessness.

Feeling on edge or tense.

Emotional numbness or detachment.

Feeling helpless or out of control.

O Observable Behavior  or Personality Patterns

Avoidance of feared situations or activities.

Compulsive behaviors (e.g., repetitive actions to reduce anxiety).

Procrastination or indecision.

Seeking constant reassurance from others.

Difficulty completing tasks due to distraction.

P Physical or Biological

Rapid heartbeat or palpitations.

Shortness of breath or hyperventilation.

Sweating or trembling.

Muscle tension or aches.

Fatigue or exhaustion.

Gastrointestinal issues (e.g., nausea, diarrhea).

Sleep disturbances (e.g., insomnia or nightmares).

S Social Context

Withdrawal from social interactions.

Difficulty maintaining conversations or relationships.

Fear of judgment or embarrassment in social settings.

Avoidance of group activities or gatherings.

Overdependence on close friends or family for support.

Recent Journal Article

A recent review article titled "Anxiety Disorders: A Review" by Szuhany and Simon (2022) discusses the prevalence, symptoms, and treatments of anxiety disorders. It highlights that anxiety disorders affect approximately 34% of adults in the U.S. during their lifetime. The review emphasizes the effectiveness of treatments like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and medications such as SSRIs and SNRIs. It also discusses the importance of personalized treatment plans based on individual needs.

References

Sutton, G. W. (2021). Creating surveys: Second Edition| How to create and administer surveys, evaluate workshops & seminars, interpret and present results. Sunflower.  

Szuhany, K. L., & Simon, N. M. (2022). Anxiety disorders: A review. JAMA, 328(24), 2431–2445.  https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2022.22744

Resources

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/anxiety/symptoms-causes/syc-20350961

Post Author

Geoffrey W. Sutton, Professor Emeritus of Psychology at Evangel University, holds a master’s degree in counseling and a PhD in psychology from the University of Missouri-Columbia. His postdoctoral work encompassed education and supervision in forensic and neuropsychology. As a licensed psychologist, he conducted clinical and neuropsychological evaluations and provided psychotherapy for patients in various settings, including schools, hospitals, and private offices. During his tenure as a professor, Dr. Sutton taught courses on psychotherapy, assessment, and research. He has authored over one hundred publications, including books, book chapters, and articles in peer-reviewed psychology journals. His website is https://suttong.com

ResearchGate articles

Amazon Author Page

Google Author Page

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Snake Phobia or Ophidiophobia

 

Ophidiophobia is an intense, irrational fear of snakes. Unlike normal fear, which arises in response to actual danger (like encountering a rattlesnake in the woods), ophidiophobia triggers anxiety even when thinking about snakes or seeing them on television.

Symptoms of ophidiophobia include:

Emotional stress and anxiety

A sense of immediate danger or doom

Rapid heart rate

Sweating

Shaking, trembling

Shortness of breath

Chest pain or discomfort

Nausea

Dizziness, or feeling lightheaded

Fear of losing control or death (also dread and terror)

Tingling sensations

Avoidant behavior (e.g., reptile houses at zoos, nature trails, some movies and jobs)

Prevalence

In the US, 64% reported snakes as a cause of fear—32% reported being “very afraid” (Moore, 2014, March 27). The level of fear is worse for older (over age 65) Americans (79% are scared). Fear of snakes is not the top fear in the UK but is still common at 52% behind fear of heights and public speaking.

The fear of snakes is among the most common fear. About half of a population reported a fear of snakes and 2-3% met diagnostic criteria for snake phobia (Polák, 2016).

Gender Differences

Multiple studies, including Fredrikson, Annas, Fischer and Wik (1996), have found specific gender differences in the prevalence of ophidiophobia. In fact, women are four times more likely to have a phobia of snakes compared to men.

Preparedness Theory and Ophidiophobia:

Humans are biologically predisposed to fear snakes more readily than other animals.

Fear acquisition happens faster with snakes due to our evolutionary history.

The amygdala, a brain structure, which plays a role in processing snake-related fear and response. (The amygdala is also involved in memory formation.)

Causes and Diagnosis:

The fear network in the human brain, involving the amygdala, plays a role in processing snake-related stimuli.

Diagnosis is based on symptoms outlined in the most recent DSM.

Treatment and Overcoming Ophidiophobia:

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is effective in treating specific phobias.

Techniques like exposure therapy help desensitize individuals to snake-related stimuli.

Practical ways to overcome ophidiophobia include gradual exposure, relaxation techniques, and seeking professional help.

Ophidiophobia and Religion

The fear of snakes is common in many cultures. In the Hebrew Bible, a snake appears as a talking character that deceives Eve, the first woman in Genesis.

 

References

Fredrikson, M., Annas, P., Fischer, H., & Wik, G. (1996). Gender and age differences in the prevalence of specific fears and phobias. Behaviour research and therapy, 34(1), 33–39. https://doi.org/10.1016/0005-7967(95)00048-3

Moore, P. (2014, March 27). Snakes, heights and public speaking are the top three fears in the Home of the Brave. YouGov. Retrieved from https://today.yougov.com/society/articles/8983-argh-snakes

Polák, J., Sedláčková, K., Nácar, D., Landová, E., & Frynta, D. (2016). Fear the serpent: A psychometric study of snake phobia. Psychiatry research, 242, 163–168. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychres.2016.05.024

Cite this post

Sutton, G. W. (2024, March 6). Snake Phobia or Ophidiophobia. Psychology Concepts and Theories. Retrieved from https://suttonpsychology.blogspot.com/2024/03/snake-phobia-or-ophidiophobia.html

Geoffrey W. Sutton, PhD is Emeritus Professor of Psychology. He retired from a clinical practice and was credentialed in clinical neuropsychology and psychopharmacology. His website is  www.suttong.com

 

Please check out my books on   AMAZON       or  GOOGLE STORE

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Dr. Sutton’s posts are for educational purposes only. See a licensed mental health provider for diagnoses, treatment, and consultation. 

Apeirophobia

 

Looking at Eternity 2023
Geoffrey W Sutton & Bing AI

Apeirophobia is a term for the fear of infinity or eternity; however, as of the date of this entry, the term does not appear in the PsychINFO database nor does it appear in Merriam-Webster. It has been submitted as a new word suggestion to Collins, which identifies the source as a David Stoller article in Aeon Magazine.

Geoffrey W. Sutton, PhD is Emeritus Professor of Psychology. He retired from a clinical practice and was credentialed in clinical neuropsychology and psychopharmacology. His website is  www.suttong.com

 

See Geoffrey Sutton’s books on   AMAZON       or  GOOGLE STORE

Follow on    FACEBOOK   Geoff W. Sutton    

   TWITTER  @Geoff.W.Sutton    

You can read many published articles at no charge:

  Academia   Geoff W Sutton     ResearchGate   Geoffrey W Sutton 

 

Dr. Sutton’s posts are for educational purposes only. See a licensed mental health provider for diagnoses, treatment, and consultation.

Spiritual Struggles Psychology of Religion

Spiritual struggles are typically experiences of conflicts of religious or spiritual beliefs, practices, or experiences that cause or extend distress. The distress may be experienced as an emotion such as sadness, anger, or anxiety. In addition, people who struggle may wrestle with conflicting thoughts.

Spiritual struggles can be interpersonal and intrapersonal. Interpersonal spiritual struggles may be between the individual and God such as anger with God for “not showing up as expected” or acting in a way that seemed unloving. Spiritual struggles may also be between the person and others such as a young college woman experiencing conflicts with parents over religious values or conflicts within congregations.

Intrapersonal struggles may be experienced as a failure to live up to spiritual standards of right living or difficulty in forgiving oneself for moral failure. Struggles may also be experienced as a battle with supernatural evil.

Spiritual struggles may be different from other psychological difficulties because of the experience of the supernatural as well as the importance of religion and spirituality to the identity of many people.

Spiritual struggles can be assessed through interviews and survey items.

Some research suggests younger persons and women are more susceptible to struggles than are others.

Spiritual struggles can affect mood and behavior with symptoms of depression and anxiety evident. Religious scholar Marcus Borg referred to anxiety, fear, guilt, and anguish as the told of his spiritual struggle as an adolescent Christian.

The effects of a struggle may be closely linked to the struggle itself or the effects may worsen an existing health or mental health condition. Spiritual struggles have been linked to worsening a variety of general health conditions such as cardiovascular problems and cancer.

Few studies have looked at the possibility of personal growth following a spiritual struggle. This is an area in need of research. An example might be a more mature outlook or sense of peace and wellbeing once the struggle has been resolved.

When spiritual struggles result from a person's behavior that violates their spiritual/moral standards, self-forgiveness may be helpful in repairing the distress and "healing the soul."

I am drawing on a summary by Julie Exline (2013) for this post. Please see her chapter (below) or other works to learn more about spiritual struggles and the names of prominent scientists who study this field.

You can find a variety of scales and survey items related to spirituality at my Assessment and Statistics Blog. Some of the measures are free to use or may be free with permission of the author.  https://statistics.suttong.com/

Some spiritual survey scales and items are included in the book CreatingSurveys  

available on AMAZON worldwide

How to measure Spiritual Struggles and Coping

Religious and Spiritual Struggles  Scale

Brief RCOPE Scale (religious coping)

Related posts

  Conversion / Deconversion in Psychology of Religion

  Demonology, Deliverance, and the Psychology of Religion

  Religious Spiritual Coping - Positive and Negative

Cite this post 

Sutton, G. W. (2020, January 8). Spiritual struggles. Psychology concepts and theories. https://suttonpsychology.blogspot.com/2020/01/spiritual-struggles.html

Reference

Exline, J. J. (2013). Religious and spiritual struggles. In J. J. Exline (Ed.), APA handbook of psychology, religion, and spirituality (Vol 1): Context, theory, and research. (pp. 459–475). Washington, DC: American Psychological Association. https://doi.org/10.1037/14045-025

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