Specific Phobia refers to an excessive fear of specific situations or objects that pose little or no danger. While a person could become phobic of virtually any situation or object, the most common phobias are for heights, enclosed spaces, the dark, snakes and spiders. A phobia differs from normal fear in that it is more intense, at times involving feelings of panic or terror, and is associated with a greater degree of avoidance behavior than a simple fear.  

There are five general types of specific phobias:

Animal: snakes, spiders, birds, dogs, etc.

Medical: blood, needles, doctors, dentists.

Natural Environment: water, storms, etc.

Situational: heights; small, enclosed spaces such as airplanes and elevators.

Other: includes fear of choking, vomiting, cooking, among others.