Which disorder is defined by an intense fear of specific objects or situations?

A phobia is characterized by an intense, irrational fear of specific objects or situations that often leads individuals to go to great lengths to avoid encountering those triggers. This fear is disproportionate to the actual threat posed and can interfere significantly with daily functioning. Common examples include fear of heights, spiders, or flying. The intense anxiety experienced when faced with the phobic stimulus can provoke physical symptoms such as panic attacks.

In contrast, the other disorders mentioned involve different psychological issues. Personality disorders refer to a range of enduring patterns in behavior, cognition, and inner experience that are significantly different from cultural expectations, often leading to functional impairment. Bipolar disorder is marked by extreme mood swings that include emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression). Psychotic disorders, like schizophrenia, involve distorted thinking and perceptions, often characterized by delusions or hallucinations. Understanding these distinctions is key to recognizing the unique nature of phobias.