Specific phobias are characterized by fear or anxiety about a specific object or situation (e.g., flying, heights, animals, receiving an injection, seeing blood). The phobic object or situation almost always provokes immediate fear or anxiety, and the fear or anxiety is out of proportion to the actual danger posed by the specific object or situation and to the sociocultural context. The phobic object or situation is actively avoided or endured with intense fear or anxiety. These symptoms must cause a high level of distress or impairment in functioning (social, occupational, or other important areas).