Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
A severe phobia is an intense and irrational fear of a specific object or situation that significantly interferes with daily functioning, causing extreme distress. It often leads to avoidance behaviors.
Exposure therapy involves gradually exposing the person to their feared object or situation in a controlled manner, helping them develop coping strategies and reduce anxiety over time.
CBT focuses on identifying and challenging negative thought patterns associated with the phobia, replacing them with more realistic and positive thoughts to reduce anxiety.
Systematic desensitization is a type of therapy that pairs relaxation techniques with gradually increasing exposure to the feared object or situation, helping individuals overcome their phobias.