If you're are to walk up on a snake right now or stand on the ledge of a building 20 stories up,

you're likely to get more than a little spooked. But is that a mental health concern or

normal reactions to being startled by a snake? Today I'm going to break down what is known

as specific phobia in the DSM-5 TR, so you'll know the difference.

Welcome back to Savvy Psychologist.

I'm your host, Dr. Monica Johnson.

Every week on this show, I'll help you face life challenges

with evidence-based approaches, a sympathetic ear,

and zero judgment.

Understanding the intricacies of specific phobias

can be both fascinating and essential for recognizing

when fear becomes a significant concern in someone's life.

The diagnostic and statistical manual of mental health disorders,

Fifth Edition, text revision, also known for short as the DSM-5 TR, serves as a critical tool for clinicians

in diagnosing mental health conditions, including specific phobias.

For those not versed in psychological jargon,

I'll break down the DSM-5-TR criteria

for specific phobia in a way that's comprehensive and relatable.

At its core, a specific phobia is an intense or rational fear of or anxiety related

to a particular object or situation.

It goes beyond the normal nervousness

someone might feel, say, before taking a flight

...