Anxiety is a natural part of life – but what happens when everyday anxieties start to dominate our lives, or when we become overwhelmingly anxious about a particular object or situation?   In this friendly and engaging introduction, the authors consider these questions by discussing a range of specific and social phobias, along with their symptoms, effects and treatment. Whatever your level of study, this book will help you to develop your understanding of phobias, why they develop and the effectiveness of different treatments.