The dictionary defines a phobia as: "A persistent, abnormal, and irrational fear of a specific thing or situation that compels one to avoid it, despite the awareness and reassurance that it is not dangerous." (American Heritage Dictionary, 2000) Phobias affect people of all ages, colors and genders. Research has shown that approximately 5.1%-12.5% of Americans have phobias. They are the most common psychiatric illness among women of all ages and are the second most common illness …showed first 75 words of 1850 total…

…showed last 75 words of 1850 total…an implicit assumption that the more serious disorders, such as panic attacks and agoraphobia, are more likely to have a biological basis than the troubling, but less disabling, simple phobias. References Ferber L. Phobias and their vicissitudes. Journal Of The American Psychoanalytic Association Levinson, Harold. (1986). Phobia Free. New York City, NY: M Evans. Raeann, Dumont. (1996). The Falling Sky. New York City, NY: Norton and Company. Wolpe, Joseph. (1988). Life Without Fear. Oakland, CA: New Harbinger Books.