Adults with this disorder usually realize the fear is too strong or that it is unreasonable. Children with the disorder may not realize this. Social phobia can cause problems at work and in school, as well as in a person's social life. This disorder occurs in both men and women. It usually starts in the teens, but can begin in childhood.
Specific phobias are fears caused by a specific object or situation.
The fear is very intense and can cause a great deal of anxiety. People with animal phobias fear animals or insects, often snakes or spiders. People with environmental phobias fear things like storms, heights, or water. There are also situational phobias. These involve fearing situations like flying, driving, or being on bridges or in tunnels.