Specific Phobia 201
Culture-Related Diagnostic Issues
In the United States, Asians and Latinos report  significantly lower rates of specific phobia
than non-Latino whites, African Americans, an d Native Americans. In addition to having
lower prevalence rates of specific phobia, some  countries outside of the United States, par-
ticularly Asian and African countries, show differing phobia content, age at onset, and
gender ratios. 
Suicide Risk 
Individuals with specific phobia are up to 60 % more likely to make a suicide attempt than
are individuals without the diagnosis. However, it is likely that these elevated rates are
primarily due to como rbidity with personality disorder s and other anxiety disorders. 
Functional Consequences of Specific Phobia
Individuals with specific phobia show simi lar patterns of impairment in psychosocial
functioning and decreased quality of life as individuals with other anxiety disorders and
alcohol and substance use disorders, includ ing impairments in occupational and inter-
personal functioning. In older adults, impair ment may be seen in caregiving duties and
volunteer activities. Also, fear of falling in older adults can lead to reduced mobility and
reduced physical and social functioning, an d may lead to receiving formal or informal
home support. The distress and impairment caused by specif ic phobias tend to increase
with the number of feared objects and situat ions. Thus, an individual who fears four ob-
jects or situations is likely to have more im pairment in his or her occupational and social
roles and a lower quality of life than an indivi dual who fears only one object or situation.
Individuals with blood-injection-injury specif ic phobia are often reluctant to obtain med-
ical care even when a medical concern is present. Additionally, fear of vomiting and chok-
ing may substantially reduce dietary intake.