The following questions are derrived from the "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders vol. IV." They are provided as a self reference only and are not intended to diagnose or treat any form of mental illness. Only licensed practitioners can make a diagnosis.

A phobia is a fear which seems to be triggered by a specific object or situation.

Answer the following questions to help determine whether or not you may have a phobia. For more information about phobias, see the phobia list.

1. When anticipating, or in the presence of a specific situation or object, have you experienced physical changes or reactions in your body (stress, sweaty palms, shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat, trembling, tightness in your chest or stomach, panic attacks, etc.)?

2. When exposed to the specific object or situation, do you immediately feel anxiety, panic, dread, horror, terror, or an an overwhelming desire to flee the situation?

3. Are your physical or emotional reactions automatic and uncontrollable, practically taking your thoughts or actions?

4. Do you realize that the fear is excessive, out of proportion, unreasonable, or not logical?

5. Have you changed your behavior or lifestyle to avoid the object or situation that causes fear?

IF YES: Has changing your behavior or lifestyle to avoid or cope with the fear been inconvenient or caused you anxiety?

IF NO: Has enduring the object or situation caused you severe anxiety or stress?

6. Has the fear ever interfered with your normal routine, social life, job, or personal functioning?

If you answered "yes"
to one or more of these questions,
you may be suffering from a phobia.

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