Causes
Social and specific phobias sometimes run in families, providing evidence
of a genetic connection. Some people are born with a predisposition towards
anxiety, which makes them particularly susceptible to developing phobias.
Phobias may develop as a response to pressure or following traumatic events.
This is known as post-traumatic stress disorder. In other cases, unreasonable
fears may develop with no apparent trigger. Adults generally recognize that
their fears are irrational or excessive, and this can act as an isolating factor.
The affected person might not talk to friends and family about a fear that they
believe is silly.
Phobias are also a natural part of development. Most children go through
stages where they are scared of the dark, of monsters, or of strangers. Many
teens develop anxieties associated with self-image and others' perception of
them. While these fears are normal and often get left behind over time, they
can sometimes persist or become incapacitating.