The epidemiology of fears and phobias in general practice

Apart from the Agras et al (1969) study, little research has been carried out into the distribution and prevalence of fears and phobias in the general population. It is clear that, during childhood, fears are quite widespread but do not warrant the term 'phobias' although phobias related to school and dentists are exceptions. During adulthood the prevalence of fears and phobias in the general population may be in the region of 76 cases per 1000 although only 2-3% seek psychiatric treatment. This paper reports the preliminary findings of an extensive study into the epidemiology of fears and phobias in 14 general practitioner populations. The most commonly stated fears related to social situations and animals although a wide range of fears were reported. The mean age of onset is 16.3 years, with a male: female ratio of 1:1.7. Fifteen per cent of the sample (n = 110) would like to receive treatment. There is some evidence of nervous disorder in the family but there is no evidence to show that the subjects had an excess of emotional disturbance during childhood. About half the subjects reported that the fear came on for no apparent reason and that they have no effective way of coping with it. Concern was expressed about high levels of anxiety and apprehension, loss of control, fainting, etc., when the subject was in contact with the fear-arousing situation.