A–Z List of Phobias:(2026 Guide)
By Jaye Kelly-Johnston, LPC, PHD©
What This Guide Covers
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A comprehensive A–Z list of common and lesser-known phobias
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Simple definitions for each
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Links to symptoms and treatment options
What Is a Phobia?
A phobia is an intense, persistent fear of a specific object or situation that leads to avoidance and distress. Phobias are a type of anxiety disorder and are highly treatable with the right support.
A–Z List of Phobias
A
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Acrophobia – Fear of heights
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Aerophobia – Fear of flying
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Agoraphobia – Fear of situations where escape may be difficult
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Arachnophobia – Fear of spiders
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Astraphobia – Fear of storms
B
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Bacteriophobia – Fear of bacteria
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Bibliophobia – Fear of books
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Brontophobia – Fear of thunder
C
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Claustrophobia – Fear of enclosed spaces
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Coulrophobia – Fear of clowns
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Cynophobia – Fear of dogs
D
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Dentophobia – Fear of dentists
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Dystychiphobia – Fear of accidents
E
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Emetophobia – Fear of vomiting
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Entomophobia – Fear of insects
F
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Fear of flying – See Aerophobia
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Fear of failure (Atychiphobia) – Fear of failing
G
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Glossophobia – Fear of public speaking
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Germophobia (Mysophobia) – Fear of germs
H
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Hemophobia – Fear of blood
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Hydrophobia – Fear of water
I
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Iatrophobia – Fear of doctors
J
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(Few commonly recognized phobias)
K
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Katsaridaphobia – Fear of cockroaches
L
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Lepidopterophobia – Fear of butterflies
M
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Mysophobia – Fear of germs
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Monophobia – Fear of being alone
N
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Nyctophobia – Fear of the dark
O
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Ophidiophobia – Fear of snakes
P
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Panic disorder-related phobias
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Pteromerhanophobia – Fear of flying
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Pyrophobia – Fear of fire
Q
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(Rarely documented phobias)
R
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Radiophobia – Fear of radiation
S
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Social Phobia (Social Anxiety Disorder) – Fear of social situations
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Scopophobia – Fear of being watched
T
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Trypanophobia – Fear of needles
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Thanatophobia – Fear of death
U
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Uranophobia – Fear of the sky or heaven
V
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Venustraphobia – Fear of beautiful women
W
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Wailophobia – Fear of whining or crying sounds
X
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Xenophobia – Fear of strangers or the unknown
Y
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(Extremely rare documented phobias)
Z
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Zoophobia – Fear of animals
Common Symptoms of Phobias
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Rapid heartbeat
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Shortness of breath
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Sweating
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Panic or intense anxiety
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Avoidance behaviors
Treatment Options
Phobias are highly treatable using:
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
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Exposure therapy
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Relaxation techniques
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Hypnotherapy (in some cases)
Free Resources
Download our:
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Phobia Symptoms & Triggers Checklist Download Our PDF
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Exposure Therapy Worksheet Download a copy of the PDF
These tools are commonly used by parents, educators, and therapists.
Final Thoughts
While phobias can feel overwhelming, they are one of the most treatable mental health challenges. With the right tools and support, individuals can reduce fear and regain confidence.
About the Author
Intro Video About Our Practice: Kelly-Johnston Counseling, PLLC
Conroe, Texas
Reference Credits
This worksheet was created as a general psychoeducational resource informed by evidence-based principles commonly used in exposure-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
Informational References
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American Psychological Association (APA): Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Resources.
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National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH): Anxiety Disorders Information.
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Anxiety & Depression Association of America (ADAA): Exposure Therapy Overview.
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Foa, E. B., & Kozak, M. J. Emotional Processing Theory and Exposure Therapy.
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Craske, M. G., et al. Principles of Exposure Therapy for Anxiety Disorders.
Disclaimer
This document is intended for educational and informational purposes only and does not replace professional mental health assessment, diagnosis, or treatment.
I created the Exposure Therapy Worksheet with sections for exposure planning, hierarchy building, reflection, progress tracking, reference credits, and a clinical disclaimer.
Kelly Johnston is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 35 years of experience helping clients overcome anxiety, phobias, and trauma.
https://kellyjohnstoncounseling.com/about/