According to the Royal College of Psychiatrists, phobias affect about one in 10 of us at some time in our lives.

Phobias are irrational, no amount of reasoning on the part of the sufferer or reassurance from others can help to shift their distressing symptoms.

For some people, a phobia can significantly impact upon their life. Work and social life can become difficult.

Typical examples of phobias include:

• Fear of heights
• Fear of enclosed spaces
• Fear of flying
• Fear of water

Less typical examples include

• Animal phobias
• Injections, blood and hospitals
• Costumed characters i.e. clowns