ABSTRACT
Specific Phobia constitutes a marked and persistent fear that is excessive or unreasonable and that is cued by the presence or anticipation of a specific object or situation, such as heights, receiving an injection, or seeing blood (DSM-IV; American Psychiatric Association, 1994). Exposure to the phobic stimulus usually provokes an immediate anxiety response, which may result in a panic attack. Adults recognize that the fear is excessive or unreasonable, although this may not be the case in children. The phobic object or situation must be avoided or endured with intense discomfort, and there must be a significant impairment in functioning (e.g., occupational, academic, social activities, relationships, marked distress). Fears include animals, the natural environment (e.g., heights, storms, water), blood injection or injury; situations (e.g., airplanes, elevators, enclosed places), choking, vomiting, contracting an illness, loud sounds, and costumed characters. Oftentimes multiple fears are experienced concurrently.
