The most common are fears of animals, fears of heights, fears of enclosed spaces and fears of flying. Social phobias cause people to dread being watched or humiliated while doing something of a social nature, such as eating a meal or giving a speech, due to expectation of negative evaluation. Some people with social phobias fear and avoid any contact with others. People with agoraphobia often have panic attacks and fear being in situations in which they cannot get help or escape. Often, this paralyzing fear causes its sufferers to remain isolated in their homes.
Panic disorder involves sudden, unexpected attacks of intense terror.
Its symptoms include shortness of breath, heart palpitations, chest pain, choking, trembling and faintness. Panic attacks can occur at any time, distinguishing them from the natural reaction to real danger. Generalized anxiety disorder causes more constant and unrealistic worry about everything. Worry about things such as family's physical safety or financial security may continue, in spite of attempts to convince the sufferer that all is well. People with generalized anxiety disorder feel anxious, sleepless, irritable and physically stressed, more often than not, to a level that interferes with daily functioning.