What Causes People to Develop Phobias?

Ashley Rodrigues

Professor Sheehan

ENG. 101.B24 #12253

2/25/16

What causes people to develop phobias?

        Everyone has a fear, something that makes their breathing change just by the mere thought of that fear. Some of us are scared because of a past memory where something bad happened. Others have no idea why they don’t like their fear. Although there is no definite cause behind the true cause of phobias there are many theories on the cause. Most people believe that it all starts in early childhood, teenage or early adult hood.

        It is highly unlikely for a person to develop these phobias after the age of 30. Any traumatic event that has personally happened to you, especially before this age, can increase your chance of developing a phobia. Your parents can also pass down their own phobias if, during childhood, they make you aware of their phobias. This in turn plants a “seed” that will in time get worst until it becomes a phobia.

        Although if your parents have a phobia that you are well aware of during your childhood, it is not certain that you will develop the same type of phobia or any phobia at all for that matter. Scientist believe that the true cause of phobias is actually a combination of your genetics, brain chemistry and your life experience. These things are what can cause the development of more complex phobias. It is actually unlikely that a traumatic event will cause your phobia.

        Phobias are actually an anxiety disorder that it put into the same category with post-traumatic stress disorder and panic disorders. The part of the brain that controls these fears is the amygdala. Scientist have discovered that there is actually a “double pathway” connected to this part of the brain. One of these pathways actually leads directly to a frightening sensory stimulus then to the amygdala. This pathway is shorter and acts as an early warning system for our bodies. But the second path, although longer, can override the first which is why some people have different fears than others. This part of the brain also makes you have the racing heart and sweaty palms that can make your fear seem even worst then what it truly is.