Phobias are strong, lasting fears that can affect a person’s work and personal life. A well-known example appears in the film Vertigo, where the main character has an extreme fear of heights and leaves his job as a police officer.
Phobias affect many people: as many as 13% of the US population are affected. Common specific fears include fear of spiders, fear of enclosed spaces, and fear of rats. These examples show that phobias often focus on a thing or a situation.
An expert at a university answers questions about what phobias are and how someone might overcome them, but the text here does not give detailed steps or specific treatments.
Difficult words
- phobia — a very strong and long-lasting fearphobias
- affect — to cause a change in someone or somethingaffected
- extreme — much stronger than normal or usual
- enclosed — closed in on all sides and not open
- population — all the people who live in an area
- overcome — to succeed in dealing with a problem or fear
- expert — a person with special knowledge or skill
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Have you ever been afraid of something like a phobia? What was it?
- Would you talk to an expert if a fear affected your work? Why or why not?
- Which specific fear in the article surprised you and why?
Related articles
Khaled Khella shows hidden struggles
Khaled Khella is an independent Egyptian filmmaker whose short films examine desire, power and everyday survival. He gained international attention with festival-screened shorts and the film "Egyptian Misery" and continues to address urgent social issues.
Antibody and EGFR–STAT1 pathway point to new fibrosis treatments
Researchers at Yale found a human antibody that blocks epiregulin and lowers fibrosis markers. They also show EGFR activates STAT1 in fibroblasts, suggesting two treatment paths: block epiregulin or target the EGFR–STAT1 pathway.