[Concept of behavior in phobic symptoms]

Phobic symptoms are discussed from behavioral viewpoint. A symptom is considered phobic when avoidance mechanism coming from anxiety is underlying it. Fear and anxiety are similar reactions, although some clinical difference is pointed out between them. A classification of the kind of situations present at the beginning of phobic symptoms is proposed: 1. Association with the neutral stimulus under a strong fear. 2. Learning of the fear response by teaching of social environment, before being in front of the neutral stimulus. 3. Previously nonphobic anxiety or anxiety crisis occurred in front of the neutral stimulus, without presence of any dangerous stimulus.