An intense, irrational, persistent fear that interferes with normal functioning or creates significant distress.

Ordinary fears are a normal part of childhood and can actually help children work through certain developmental issues. Universal fears in infancy include fear of strangers and of loud noises. Fear of certain animals is common between the ages of two and three, and subsequent years often bring fears of imaginary creatures (such as monsters under the bed) and of the dark. However, when fears cause a child to repeatedly avoid certain situations or when they persist for an unusually long time or occur at an inappropriate age, they are considered to be phobias. For clinical diagnosis of a phobia in a child or adolescent, the fear must persist for a period of at least six months. While adults with phobias are aware that their fears are exaggerated and unfounded...