Clinical concept · Australian terminology

Phobia

Definition

A marked and persistent fear linked to a particular object or situation, with avoidance or significant distress.

Source linked1 covered source

A marked and persistent fear linked to a particular object or situation, with avoidance or significant distress. The term should be interpreted alongside the person's account, the observed context and other relevant clinical information.

Use the term descriptively and in the context in which it was assessed.
Avoid treating a single concept as a diagnosis or complete clinical formulation.

These related entries share a topic but may describe different kinds of finding, context or clinical task. Open each definition before treating the terms as interchangeable.

Source checking confirms that the published wording is supported by the cited material. It does not mean specialist clinical approval; new wording remains approval pending.

Healthdirect Australia: Mental health conditions

Clinical concept · Australian terminology

Phobia

Definition

A marked and persistent fear linked to a particular object or situation, with avoidance or significant distress.

Topic: Anxiety, trauma and dissociation

Source linked1 covered source

Use the term descriptively and in the context in which it was assessed.
Avoid treating a single concept as a diagnosis or complete clinical formulation.

These related entries share a topic but may describe different kinds of finding, context or clinical task. Open each definition before treating the terms as interchangeable.

Source checking confirms that the published wording is supported by the cited material. It does not mean specialist clinical approval; new wording remains approval pending.

Healthdirect Australia: Mental health conditions