Phobia Quiz › Arachnophobia
Arachnophobia test
Arachnophobia is an intense, persistent fear of spiders (and often other arachnids such as scorpions) that is out of proportion to any real danger they pose.
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What is arachnophobia?
Arachnophobia is an intense, persistent fear of spiders (and often other arachnids such as scorpions) that is out of proportion to any real danger they pose.
Common signs and symptoms
- Immediate dread or panic at the sight of a spider, or even a photo of one
- Going out of your way to avoid places spiders might be
- A racing heart, sweating, or freezing when one is near
- Checking rooms, shoes, or bedding for spiders
- Being unable to stay in a room until a spider is removed
When does it become a phobia?
Disliking spiders is extremely common. It crosses into a phobia when the fear is intense, automatic, and starts to shape your choices: avoiding the garden, the basement, or whole activities because a spider might appear.
Why are people afraid?
Humans appear to be biologically prepared to notice spiders quickly, and a single frightening experience or a parent's reaction can teach the brain to treat them as a threat. Avoidance then keeps the fear alive because you never get to learn that nothing bad happens.
Spider fear is one of the most common specific phobias, affecting an estimated 3 to 6 percent of people strongly enough to interfere with daily life.
What helps
Phobias are among the most treatable conditions, usually through gradual, supported exposure. Learn how phobias are treated, or let Bia build you a personalized plan.