nis cavity life: 35 rare and strange phobias

Tuesday, Dec 06, 2011
AsiaOne

35 rare and strange phobias

Almost everyone has some fear or other, and you may have heard of common phobias like fear of heights (arachnephobia), fear of enclosed or small spaces (claustrophobia), or fear of spiders (arachnophobia).

These fears are understandable. But have you ever heard of fear of the Pope (apaphobia), fear of knees (genuphobia), or fear of peanut butter sticking to the roof of the mouth (arachibutyrophobia)?

The word phobia comes from the Greek word phóbos, which means "fear" or "morbid fear". It is defined as a persistent fear of an object or situation in which the sufferer commits to great lengths in avoiding.

The fear is typically disproportional to the actual danger posed, and is often irrational and debilitating.

There are medical terms for people who are afraid of all sorts of strange things, but are there really people out there who turn into a quivering wreck at the sight of a salad?

Click through the gallery below to find out:

35 rare and unusual phobiasClick on thumbnail to view. Story continues after photos. (Photos: Reuters, AFP, ST, BT, Internet)

How to spot a phobia

You feel an uncontrollable anxiety when faced with the object or situation of fear.
You cannot function normally due to the anxiety.
You feel that you must do whatever you can to avoid your fear.
You know that your fears are exaggerated but you cannot control your feelings.
Sweating, increased heartbeat and fast breathing.
The thought of the feared object is enough to make you feel anxious.