Arachnophobia is the fear of spiders and other arachnids.
This phobia is quite common, affecting as many as 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men.
The sight of a spider can trigger a fear response.
but in some cases, simply an image of an arachnid or the thought of a spider can lead to feelings of overwhelming fear and panic.
So why are so many people terrified of arachnids?
While there are an estimated 35.000 different spider species, only around a dozen pose any type of real threat to humans.
One of the most common explanations for this and similar animal phobias is that such creatures once posed a considerable threat to our ancestors who lacked the medical know-how and technological tools to address injuries from animals and insects.
As a result, evolution contributed to a predisposition to fear these creatures.
Acrophobia, or the fear of heights, impacts an estimated 23 million adults.
This fear can lead to anxiety attacks and avoidance of high places.
People who suffer from this phobia may go to great lengths to avoid high places such as bridges, towers, or tall buildings.
While in some cases this fear of heights may be the result of a traumatic experience.
current thinking suggests that thie fear may have evolved as an adaptation to an enviornment in which a fall from heights posed a significant danger.
While it is common for people to have some degree of fear when encountering heights.
a phobia involves a severe fear that can result in panic attacks and avoidance behaviors.
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