F40-F48: Neurotic, stress-related and somatoform disorders

F40: Phobic anxiety disorders

Phobic anxiety disorders, categorized under the ICD-10 code F40, refer to a group of conditions characterized by an excessive or irrational fear of specific situations, objects, or places. Unlike general anxiety disorders, these fears are often linked to specific triggers. Common types of phobic disorders include agoraphobia (fear of places or situations that might cause panic), social phobia (fear of social or performance situations), and specific phobias (fear of particular objects or situations). Symptoms typically include intense fear, rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, trembling, and a strong desire to avoid the situation or object that triggers the fear. These disorders can significantly impact a person's daily life and activities. The cause of phobic disorders isn't entirely understood, but they are thought to result from a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors.