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Phobias are persistent, irrational fears of objects or situations that others view as harmless. 

People who have certain phobias go to great lengths to avoid the places or actions which cause their feelings of fear and anxiety. For example, people who fear the ocean or speaking in front of large audiences may be able to simply sidestep these fears by avoiding the situations that cause problems.

Phobias are considered to be mental disorders when they become so uncontrollable that they interfere with day-to-day life (including job duties and social interactions).

Phobias differ from simple fear or anxiety. For example, a student may have anxiety about making a presentation in a school assembly. If the student has not prepared, anxiety about failure or embarrassment is expected. A well-prepared student who still experiences an unreasonable amount of anxiety may have a phobia about public speaking. In many cases, a person with a phobia recognizes that the fear is unreasonable, but they remain afraid.

Phobias commonly begin in adolescence or early adulthood, although they may also begin in childhood. Children with phobias may not recognize that their fear is unreasonable and express the fear through crying, tantrums or clinging to adults.