Are You Phobic?

Phobias can be slippery things. It’s not always clear when an aversion to cockroaches becomes something more serious. The signs are not just physical reactions but also emotional ones: Do you fret about the object of your phobia? Do you alter your life to avoid it? A few yes or no questions can help you take the measure of your fear:

Yes or No?

Do you …

… Have a persistent and excessive fear of an object or situation, such as flying, heights, animals, blood or being in a public place from which there is no escape?

Yes
No

… Experience symptoms, including pounding heart, trembling, shortness of breath, lightheadedness, weak knees, dry mouth, feelings of unreality, feelings that you may go crazy or die, when you think of or encounter the object or situation you fear?

Yes
No

… Have an excessive and ongoing fear of social situations, such as going to the mall, the movies or a restaurant?

Yes
No

… Fear that you will be judged or will humiliate yourself socially?

Yes
No

… Fear traveling without a companion?

Yes
No

… Fear that people will notice that you are blushing, sweating, trembling or showing other signs of anxiety?

Yes
No

… Take elaborate, excessive steps to avoid the object or situation you fear?

Yes
No

… Find that your fears or your reactions to them have interfered with your ability to function at home, professionally or socially?

Yes
No

Adapted from Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, American Psychiatric Association