Abstract
Specific phobia (SP) used to be called “simple phobia” in earlier editions of the DSM (Diagnostics and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders). The chapter points out changes in defining criteria over the various DSM editions. Etiological factors including genetic and temperaments such as disgust sensitivity are discussed. Learning theory including associative and nonassociative models of specific phobia are examined. Cognitive biases that facilitate the maintenance of the disorder such as attentional and judgment biases are explained. The neural correlates of specific phobia are assessed based on functional and structural magnetic resonance imaging studies. Electrophysiological correlates are also reviewed including P1, N1, N2pc, P3, and LPP.
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Azab, M. (2022). Specific Phobia: Etiological, Cognitive, and Neuroscientific Aspects. In: An Update on Anxiety Disorders. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-19362-0_4
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