Symptoms used to diagnose
The ruleMarked fear of a specific object or situation, almost always triggered immediately, out of proportion, lasting 6 months or more.
Symptoms
- Immediate fear on exposure
- Active avoidance
- Fear far greater than the real danger
- Panic-like body response
- Disruption to daily life
How diagnosis works
- Immediate fear or anxiety on exposure, out of proportion to the danger.
- Active avoidance and real impact on daily life.
A diagnosis is made by a qualified clinician after a full assessment — this summary is to help you understand it, not to self-diagnose.
Commonly used medications
Medication isn't usually a first-line treatment for this condition.
Therapies & support
- Exposure therapy (first choice)
- CBT
Good to know
- Medication is rarely needed — exposure therapy works for most people.
Sources
- 01Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR)
American Psychiatric Association, 2022
- 02ICD-11 for Mortality and Morbidity Statistics — Chapter 6: Mental, behavioural or neurodevelopmental disorders
World Health Organization, 2022
- 03The Maudsley Deprescribing Guidelines
Horowitz & Taylor, Wiley-Blackwell, 2024