A phobia is an intense, irrational fear of a specific object, situation, or living thing. Unlike general anxiety, a phobia is triggered by a particular stimulus and can cause a person to go to great lengths to avoid the source of their fear. This avoidance behavior can significantly interfere with daily life, affecting a person's work, social activities, and relationships. Common phobias include arachnophobia (fear of spiders), claustrophobia (fear of enclosed spaces), and acrophobia (fear of heights). Treatment for phobias often involves therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and in some cases, medication.