Phasmophobia is an intense fear of ghosts that can be life-limiting. Symptoms include anxiety, difficulty sleeping, and physical reactions. Not recognized by DSM-5 but treated as specific phobia
Phobias are excessive fears that trigger immediate anxiety responses. Approximately 12.5% of U.S. adults will experience specific phobias. Women are more likely to have phobias than men
Thalassophobia is an intense fear of deep bodies of water. Phobias are the most common mental illness in the US. It is considered a natural-environment type specific phobia
Hippopotomonstrosesquipedaliophobia is the fear of very long words. Term combines Greek "hippopopotamos" (river horse) with Latin "sesquipedalis". Not officially recognized in DSM-5 but commonly referenced
Megalophobia is an irrational fear of large objects. Triggers include airplanes, buildings, animals, and large water bodies. Symptoms include anxiety, dizziness, and increased heart rate. People actively avoid or endure phobic situations
Phobias affect approximately 9.1% of U.S. adults annually. Women are twice as likely to experience phobias as men. Phobias typically emerge during childhood or adolescence