What is the most common type of phobia?

The most common type of phobia is specific phobia, which encompasses a wide range of fears linked to particular objects or situations, such as animals, flying, or medical procedures. Specific phobias can be quite common, affecting a significant portion of the population.

Although social phobia (also known as social anxiety disorder) is prevalent and can significantly impact an individual's daily life due to fears of social interactions and performance situations, it is recognized as a specific condition rather than the broader category of phobias.

Agoraphobia, which involves fear of places or situations where escape might be difficult or help unavailable in the event of a panic attack, is less prevalent compared to specific phobias overall. The fear of heights, while it's a common phobia referred to as acrophobia, is just one specific example and does not encompass the broader category of specific phobias.

Understanding these distinctions clarifies why specific phobias are the most common, as they include many different fears that individuals may experience.