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Anxiety

Specific phobia

Intense and irrational fear of something concrete (animals, heights, blood, needles, flying, elevators) that leads to avoidance and limits daily life.

Common signs

Immediate fear when faced with the triggerActive avoidanceRecognises that the fear is excessive

Tips

For you

  1. Gradual exposure is the most effective treatment
  2. Start with what scares you a little and move up step by step
  3. Breathe slowly and stay until the anxiety goes down

For family and friends

  1. Don't force them all at once: support gradual steps
  2. Don't make fun of the fear

When to ask for help

  1. If it stops you going to the doctor or having tests
  2. If it limits your work or travel

Guidance test

Answer thinking about the last few weeks. There are 8 questions and you get your result straight away. Your answers are not saved or sent.

0 of 8
1. I feel intense fear of something specific (animals, heights, blood, needles, flying…)
2. Just thinking about it makes me nervous
3. I do all I can to avoid it
4. When I'm faced with it, I feel anxious straight away
5. I know the fear is exaggerated, but I can't control it
6. I have stopped doing things because of this fear
7. It has been like this for months
8. I worry about coming across it
Also take the full anxiety test →

Free resources

Downloadable PDF sheetSigns, tips and resources to print or saveFull article: Specific phobiasFree resource from Clínica VivaldiFree guide: AnxietyFree resource from Clínica Vivaldi

Related disorders

Separation anxiety disorderAnxietySelective mutismAnxietySocial anxiety disorder (social phobia)AnxietyPanic disorderAnxiety

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Reviewed by María Teresa Fernández Vicente, health psychologist and neuropsychologist (registration no. CV17304), in November 2026. Educational information prepared by the Clínica Vivaldi team based on the DSM-5-TR classification. It does not replace a professional assessment and cannot be used to diagnose.