Why do we develop a phobia? In many cases it appears a phobia develops from a combination of external events and internal predispositions. The fear of snakes, {ophidiphobia}, or the fear of spiders, {arachnophobia}, are very common and may be rooted in an evolutionary trait that conditioned humans to fear certain creatures that pose harm.

Research indicates, in more severe anxiety disorder issues, there may be a lack of Serotonin in the brain which effects one's cognitive acquity, affective stability and impulse control. I always stop to consider genetic, chemical or other physiological factors that would impact one's susceptibility to anxiety disorders, in this case, a phobia. I carefully evaluate all factors when I assess and treat each client.

Of course there is the reality some people have "learned" to fear things they do not understand or have been taught to fear. Witness a man such as the late Steve Irwin, the "Crocodile Hunter" whose daughter may not have a predisposed fear because she has been exposed to reptiles etc. since infancy.

In my practice, some of the many phobias I have seen can be traced back to a specific triggering event. Usually this event is a trauma that was experienced at some early age, where one felt out of control. Look at the high incidence of phobia to elevators or flying. In some cases, the individuals actually experienced a trauma in an elevator or plane thus triggering such a phobia. Some may have a predisposition to feel confined or trapped. In many cases, the phobia actually developed because the anxiety experienced in these places or situations was caused by other issues and conflicts in their lives. In other words, a person may be in an elevator, alone with their thoughts and begin to feel so out of control or overwhelmed because of personal crises in their lives. These thoughts bring about a flood of anxiety. Since this anxiety occurred in an elevator they develop a phobia, or fear of elevators.

A social phobia is more complex. Social phobia may have genetic or heredity factors included as well as many learned fears.

Agoraphobia, a phobia I spend at least forty percent of my practice treating, occurs when one's fear of experiencing anxiety or panic feelings leads one to avoid situations more and more, eventually leading them to become housebound. Agoraphobia has more complex causes that are not entirely known at this time.

It is my belief learned experiences combined with a society that does not prepare or teach its youth to deal with change, difficult situations, or think through conflicts plays a major role in the development of anxiety disorders and phobias.