ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- Phobias are defined as "an exaggerated usually inexplicable and illogical fear of a particular object, class of objects, or situation." EmpireStakes.com analyzed Google searches surrounding phobias to reveal the 10 most searched fears in New York over the last 12 months and the results are in.
Ranking #1 as the most searched fear in New York at 325,200 searches, trypophobia is known as the fear of closely packed holes according to Healthline. It reports that one might feel anxiety, disgust, or discomfort when coming in visual contact with closely packed holes such as honeycombs, strawberries, and coral.
Thalassophobia is known as the fear of large or deep water, with 97,200 yearly searches. Healthline says that those who have this phobia may be scared of the ocean, sea, or large lakes. It also says that one may experience severe symptoms of anxiety when seeing or being near a large body of water.
Claustrophobia had 79,200 yearly searches and is the fear of small, confined, or enclosed spaces. The Cleveland Clinic reports that common triggers include tunnels, elevators, caves, and small cars. It also says that those who experience claustrophobia may have trouble functioning or are overwhelmed when having thoughts of being in or presently being in a confined space.
Emetophobia came in with 79,000 yearly searches and is the fear of vomit or vomiting. The Cleveland Clinic says that being around someone who is ill, seeing vomit, or feeling nauseous can cause anxiety and panic among those with this phobia.
Arachnophobia came up in 34,800 yearly searches and is the intense fear of spiders. According to the Cleveland Clinic, the fear of spiders becomes a phobia when it starts to interfere with your daily activities, consumes your thoughts, and even keeps you from socializing with your loved ones. It can cause sweating, shaking, tightness in your chest, or rapid heartbeat.
Acrophobia was searched 28,800 times in the last 12 months and is the fear of heights. Cleveland Clinic reports that this phobia involves the fear of situations like being in a tall building or using a ladder. Similar to the phobias listed above, one may experience symptoms of intense anxiety in these situations.
Megalophobia, the fear of large objects, came up in 28,500 yearly searches. This can include things like tall buildings or large structures. According to the Cleveland Clinic, this phobia is a type of anxiety disorder.
Mysophobia, also known as germophobia, is the extreme fear of germs, with 22,000 searches in the last year. The Cleveland Clinic says that this phobia can worsen over time where one may find oneself stuck in a cycle of behaviors that impact their quality of life.
Scopophobia, searched 15,600 times in the last 12 months, is the fear of being stared at. Healthline reports that this is a more severe version of the discomfort one may feel while being stared at. For those affected, it can be very anxiety-inducing and cause them to be unable to function in social situations.
Lastly is the fear of dogs, known as cynophobia, which came up with 8,640 searches in the last year. According to the Cleveland Clinic, this fear can be overwhelming and is considered an anxiety disorder.
