Signs & Symptoms

• A persistent, irrational fear of a specific object, activity or situation
• Avoidance of the feared object or situation
• Younger children may cry, tantrum, cling, freeze, or want to be picked up
• Extreme anxiety and upset when faced with the feared object or situation
• Impaired ability to function because of the fear
• When facing the object of fear, panicky feelings such as sweating, rapid heartbeat, looking flushed, trembling, shortness of breath, and intense anxiety.