Common phobias include fear of crowds, darkness, and heights. Most phobias do not significantly interfere with one's life and do not require treatment. However, some phobias, such as agoraphobia and social phobias, may severely limit a person's life. Psychologists and psychiatrists classify phobias as an anxiety disorder.
Behavioral therapy holds that a phobia is a learned response and can therefore be unlearned.
Therapists using behavioral treatments often employ techniques that involve gradually exposing the phobic individual to whatever is feared. The exposure may take place in real life or in the person's imagination. The gradualness of the exposure is considered important in making the treatment effective and relatively painless. A popular technique called systematic desensitization combines gradual exposure with relaxation or other experiences to reduce anxiety. Many therapists who treat phobias conduct group therapy in addition to individual treatment.