Specific phobias typically start in late childhood or early adolescence.It is one of the most common types ofanxiety disorders.
An estimated 12.5% of adults in the United States have a specific phobia in their lives.
This article covers specific phobia tests and screenings that providers use to diagnose the condition.
martin-dm / Getty Images
They can refer you to a licensed mental health professional who can provide an official diagnosis and offer treatment.
This tool is available for adults and children.
A person checks a box to show how often they feel the way that the sentence described.
During the interview, you will be asked about your symptoms.
A provider will also ask about your medical and family history.
For example, they will want to know if any family members have phobias.
They will also ask if you have any experiences or trauma that might have triggered the phobia you have.
Onset
Out of all anxiety disorders, specific phobias tend to have the earliest ages of onset.
According to a 2017 meta-analysis, the average age of onset for specific phobias is 11 years old.
When Is Fear Normal?
Agoraphobia
Agoraphobiais a marked fear or anxiety about being in specific situations.
Labs and Tests
There are no lab tests that can diagnose a specific phobia.
Self/At-Home Testing for Phobia
A mental health professional must make a diagnosis of phobia.
However, recognizing the signs can help you decide if you oughta ask for help.
That said, asking for help isnt easy.
Summary
Specific phobias cause intensebut irrationalfear.
If you have symptoms of a specific phobia, talk to a qualified mental health professional.
They can make a formal diagnosis and help you find ways to manage your symptoms.
National Institute of Mental Health.Specific phobia.
Lijster JM, Dierckx B, Utens EM, et al.The age of onset of anxiety disorders.Can J Psychiatry.
2017;62(4):237-246. doi:10.1177/0706743716640757
Eaton WW, Bienvenu OJ, Miloyan B.Specific phobias.Lancet Psychiatry.
Rockville (MD): Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (US); 2016 Jun.
APA.Severity Measure for Specific PhobiaAdult.
2019;17. doi: 10.1186/s12916-019-1328-3
Gadsen Regional Medical Center.Fear vs. phobia.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.Table 3.10, Panic Disorder and Agoraphobia Criteria Changes from DSM-IV to DSM-5.
Rockville (MD): Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (US); 2016 Jun.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.Table 3.13, DSM-IV to DSM-5 Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Comparison.
Rockville (MD): Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (US); 2016 Jun.
Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (US).
Trauma-Informed Care in Behavioral Health Services.Exhibit 1.3-4, DSM-5 Diagnostic Criteria for PTSD.
Rockville (MD): Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (US); 2014.
(Treatment Improvement Protocol (TIP) Series, No.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.Table 15, DSM-IV to DSM-5 Separation Anxiety Disorder Comparison.
Rockville (MD): Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (US); 2016 Jun.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.Table 16, DSM-IV to DSM-5 Social Phobia/Social Anxiety Disorder Comparison.
Rockville (MD): Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (US); 2016 Jun.
National Institute of Mental Health.Anxiety disorders.
