I've always been fascinated by phobias. The psychology behind a lot of them is intriguing, to say the least, far more than I could ever put into words. Not to mention the reactions and the effects said reactions can have on a person on so many different levels. Just amazing.

Having a few of them myself, I am always looking for more information to try and further my understanding, and (hopefully, if possible) eventually eliminate them. While doing so I came across this list. According to his FAQ, he only lists phobias which have been used in reference books, and medical papers. Reading through this list makes me feel better about the few phobias I do have, realizing that it could be much, much worse. Anyway, I thought others might also find it to be a good read.

I find it hysterical that someone out there has Dutchphobia, I fear the dutch. But what really gets me is Zemmiphobia, fear of the great mole rat.

Yeah, some of them seem ridiculous, but I guess you can't really judge. The one that gets me is:

Hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobia- Fear of long words.

I'm working hard at persuading my daughter that her first word should be Triskaidecaphobia - it'll freak her grandparents if she manages it by her 1st birthday

Automatonophobia is one of mine... Very mild, but those dummies creep me out, man.

And this one seems healthy:

Ballistophobia- Fear of missiles or bullets.

Duh.

Duh

Only when they're moving!

True enough, but missiles warrant a little respect just sitting there. Especially the nuclear variety.

True enough. I seem to recall there being something in the news as of late about missiles . . .

I suppose you could also add “loaded” to my earlier statement too.

brittanynsyncophobia - probably not on the list, but certainly should be