Experiencing negative thoughts and scary images. Other theories focus on the phobia as having a symbolic meaning. Separation anxiety in childhood. Presence of another psychiatric disorder. Perfectionist type individual.
Techniques are available to prevent or control the reaction.
Your own observation of symptoms. Psychotherapy or counseling for severe phobias and for phobias that are life-style restricting. Fear of flying clinics are available in many communities. Agoraphobia in particular restricts an individual's activities and is severely disabling. Dependence on drugs or alcohol to overcome anxiety.