A phobia is an identifiable and persistent fear that is excessive or unreasonable and is triggered by the presence or anticipation of a specific object, or situation. Children and adolescents with one or more phobias consistently experience anxiety when exposed to the specific object or situation. Common phobias include fear of animals, blood, heights, closed spaces or flying. In children and adolescents, the identified fear must last at least six months to be considered a phobia rather than a transient fear. Types of phobias seen in children and adolescents include the following:

• Specific phobia: Anxiety is associated with a specific object or situation. The phobic object or situation is avoided, anticipated with fear or endured with extreme anxiety to the extent that it interferes with normal routines and activities.
• Panic disorder with or without agoraphobia: An unpredictable, unexpected period of intense fear or discomfort compounded by shortness of breath, dizziness, light-headedness, shaking, fear of losing control and an increased, racing heart beat (called a panic attack). Symptoms can last several hours, but usually peak after 10 minutes. Agoraphobia is defined as a fear of open spaces such as being outside or leaving home alone related to one or more phobias or the fear of having a panic attack.
• Social phobia: Fear of one or more social or performance situations in an age appropriate setting with others within the same age group, such as school play, recital, giving a speech or book report in front of the class.
• Selective mutism: The inability to speak in specific social situations in a child or adolescent who can and does speak in other situations.

Whose Is Affected?

Anxiety disorders are common in all ages. The occurrence of specific phobias in children and adolescents is estimated to range from 1% to as high as 9.2% . While specific phobias often begin in childhood, they must be differentiated from normal developmental fears. Social phobias are only estimated to occur in up to 1.4% of children and adolescents. Panic disorders can develop at any age, but most often begin in adolescence or young adulthood. The study of panic disorders in children (before puberty) has only recently begun.

Specific treatment for phobias will be determined by your child's physician based on:

• Your child's age, overall health and medical history
• Extent of your child's symptoms
• Type of phobia
• Your child's tolerance for specific medications or therapies
• Expectations for the course of the condition
• Your opinion or preference

Phobias, like other anxiety disorders, can be effectively treated. Treatment should always be based on a comprehensive evaluation of the child and family. Treatment recommendations may include individual or cognitive behavioral therapy for the child (focused on helping the child learn new ways to control anxiety and panic attacks when they do occur), family therapy and consultation with the child's school. Some children may also benefit from treatment with medication — specifically, medications to stop the occurrence of panic attacks. Parents play a vital supportive role in any treatment process.