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Causes of Phobias

If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with a phobia, you may wonder how it developed. Learn about the possible causes behind your biggest fears.

Woman looking anxious France

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Phobias

Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD

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3 Major Theories on How Phobias Develop

Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD

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The Medical Model in Psychology on Phobias and the Brain

Medically reviewed by Daniel B. Block, MD

I've got to get away from here!

Mental Health Research on the Genetics of Phobias

Medically reviewed by Daniel B. Block, MD

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Object Relations Theory and the Mom Factor

Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD

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How Different Factors Cause Certain Phobias

Reviewed by David Susman, PhD

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Learning Theory and Phobias

Reviewed by David Susman, PhD

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Understanding Social Cognitive Theory for Phobias

Medically reviewed by Daniel B. Block, MD

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Psychoanalytic Theory of Phobias

Medically reviewed by Daniel B. Block, MD