Tuesday’s glance at unusual philias may leave the impression that extreme likes or dislikes are just fun and games. In some cases philias, and certainly phobias, are nothing to joke about. They can reach dangerous levels, provoking anxiety and interfering with life. Occasionally, a phobia can paralyze to such an extent it ends meaningful life, or life itself.

“Fear can, though it is not God, create something from nothing.” — Caspar de Aguilar

The Mayo Clinic defines phobia (directly from Greek, “panic”) as an overwhelming and unreasonable fear of an object or situation that poses little real danger, but provokes anxiety and avoidance. This is more than the common anxiety most feel before getting a shot, taking a test, or giving a speech. Phobias last longer and cause more intense physical and mental reactions. They interfere with normal function, leading to social isolation, severe depression, substance abuse, or even suicide.

There are hundreds of known phobias, but they can be just about anything. Phobias fall into three basic categories: Specific (object or situation, e.g., airplanes, animals, knives, storms, or confined spaces), social (extreme shyness or unreasonable fear of rejection), and agoraphobia. Agoraphobia is more than fear of crowds and open spaces; it’s focused on a situation, such as using public transportation, standing in lines, or leaving home at all. Having more than one phobia is common among those who suffer from them.

Regardless of type, symptoms include:

1. Feeling uncontrollable panic or terror when exposed to the source, or in some cases, even thinking about it

2. Needing to do everything possible to avoid it

3. Inability to function normally because of the anxiety

4. Physical reactions, such as sweat, rapid pulse, difficulty breathing

5. Knowing the fear is irrational, but feeling powerless to control it

6. In children, tantrums, clinging, or crying

While much research remains to be done regarding cause, links have been found to frightening experiences and parent or family’s phobias. Whether the familial link is genetic or learned behavior is unknown. In any case, identified risk factors increasing the likelihood of phobias are:

Age: Social phobia typically develops by age 13. Specific phobias first appear earlier in childhood. Agoraphobia is generally first noticed in teens and early adulthood.

Relatives: If a family member has a fear of spiders, you’re more likely to develop it too.

Sensitive nature: The highly sensitive or more inhibited are more likely to be phobic.

Trauma: Experiencing a traumatic event, such as a near-drowning or animal attack can trigger a new phobia.

Not all phobias require professional medical treatment, although therapy generally helps and may even provide permanent relief. When fear rises beyond mere annoyance or embarrassment — such as choosing stairs over elevators, and begins to disrupt life — such as avoiding medical care, regular panic attacks, or inability to be in darkness or tolerate touch, professional help is warranted.

Living with fear is no life.

Sholeh Patrick is a columnist for the Hagadone News Network. Contact her at Sholeh@cdapress.com.