[Specific phobias in women]

Specific phobias are common, leading to a high level of suffering and disability when subjects have to face the phobic stimulus. According to the epidemiologic survey of Liège, one fifth of the population exhibits some phobic disorder during lifetime. Women are more affected than men (2:1). This article reviews definitions, etiopathogeny and treatments of specific phobias, and tries to explain the reasons why the trouble is more frequent in women.