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Acrophobia

Definition

Acrophobia refers to an abnormal and irrational fear of heights or high places which can lead to anxiety or panic attacks when exposed to such situations.

Analogy

Imagine standing on top of a tall building and feeling intense fear even though you know you are safe. It's like your brain hits the panic button every time you look down from great heights!

Related terms

Phobia: An extreme or irrational fear of something specific that causes significant distress and interferes with daily life functioning.

Systematic Desensitization: A therapeutic technique used to treat phobias where individuals gradually expose themselves to the feared stimulus in a controlled and safe manner, aiming to reduce anxiety responses over time.

Flooding: A therapeutic technique used to treat phobias where individuals are exposed directly and intensively to the feared stimulus until their fear response diminishes through habituation.

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AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.