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Scopophobia

Written by \"\"Naomi CarrMedically reviewed by \"\"Morgan Blair

Published on · Updated on

Scopophobia is an intense fear of being watched or looked at and can occur following a traumatic event or due to unknown causes. Treatment for scopophobia includes therapeutic interventions and medications.

\"A

Key takeaways

  • Scopophobia is an intense fear of being watched or stared at that can restrict social and everyday activities.
  • It may overlap with social anxiety, although fear of observation is not identical to fear of performance scrutiny.
  • Psychological treatment, gradual exposure, and anxiety-management strategies can help reduce avoidance and impairment.

What is scopophobia?

\nScopophobia is an extreme fear of being watched or stared at and can lead to significant impairments in daily, social, or professional functioning⁠[1].\n

While many people experience anxiety at the thought of performing or speaking in front of others, scopophobia is an intense fear of being looked at by anyone at any time, whether this is friends and family, colleagues, or strangers, so can be very disabling, potentially leading to a complete avoidance of any interactions or even leaving the house.

Although not specifically mentioned in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5), scopophobia is considered a specific phobia. Specific phobias are characterized by an irrational and disproportionate level of fear or anxiety when faced with a certain stimulus⁠[2].

Scopophobia is also often linked with social anxiety disorder, formally known as social phobia⁠[3]. This means many people with scopophobia also have social anxiety disorder. But it should be noted that although the two conditions share many similarities, they are two distinct conditions with different diagnostic criteria⁠[2][3].

\nCurrent research on scopophobia is limited, partially due to the fact that many people do not report or seek help for phobias⁠[4]. Similarly, many people may interpret their symptoms as being due to other conditions such as social anxiety disorder. As such, further research is required to clarify the causes of and circumstances surrounding the development of specific phobias such as scopophobia.\n

Symptoms of scopophobia

\nSymptoms of scopophobia may vary from person to person but can include⁠[2][4][5]:\n

    \n
  • Thinking about or being looked at causes immense fear and anxiety.
    • \n
  • Being unable to make eye contact with other people.
    • \n
  • The presence of physical symptoms of anxiety or a panic attack, such as sweating, shaking, fast heartbeat, dry mouth, difficulty concentrating, and breathing difficulties when thinking of being looked at or thought about.
    • \n
  • Avoiding situations in which another person might make eye contact or look at you, such as using public transport, attending meetings or appointments, or even sitting with a friend.
    • \n
  • Impairments in one or more areas of life, including social and professional functioning.
    • \n
  • The presence of other specific phobias, such as a fear of spiders or injections.
    • \n
  • The presence of other mental health conditions, such as social anxiety disorder, mood disorders, or substance use disorders.
    • \n

Causes of scopophobia

\nThe exact cause of scopophobia is not known and may differ from person to person. However, there are several theories about certain risk factors that may increase the likelihood of a specific phobia developing.\n

\nResearch suggests that there is a strong familial link associated with the development of specific phobias. Those with a specific phobia have been found to be significantly more likely than healthy individuals to have a relative with an anxiety disorder, phobia, or both, indicating that a genetic predisposition is likely⁠[6].\n

Brain functioning

\nResearch into the neurobiology of fear and specific phobias has found that some people have a difference in the activation and function of the fear response in the amygdala, suggesting that they may have an increased sensitivity to fear that could lead to the development of a phobia⁠[7].\n

Past traumatic experience

Traumatic experiences can contribute to phobias, but genetic and other environmental factors may also play a role. A clinician can help explore how a fear of being watched developed without assuming that one experience explains every case⁠[5][8].

Diagnosing scopophobia

\nSpecific phobias are often not diagnosed, as many people live with their fear and avoid the stimulus that causes it⁠[4]. However, if you think you have scopophobia, it is important to seek a diagnosis in order to receive appropriate treatment to prevent further impact on your life.\nTo diagnose scopophobia, you will be asked questions about your symptoms as they relate to diagnostic criteria. The diagnostic criteria for a specific phobia according to the DSM-5 includes⁠[2]:\n

    \n
  • Anticipating or facing a situation in which others may look at you causes intense feelings of anxiety, which may lead to prolonged or repeated avoidance of any social situations.
    • \n
  • The associated symptoms cause distress and impair social and/or professional functioning.
    • \n
  • The level of fear and anxiety is disproportionate to the potential danger or outcome.
    • \n
  • These symptoms have persisted for at least 6 months.
    • \n
  • These symptoms are not due to another condition, such as avoidant personality disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or social anxiety disorder.
    • \n

Treatment for scopophobia

Cognitive behavioral therapy is an established treatment for phobias. Exposure therapy, a CBT method, helps a person approach feared situations and reduce avoidance. Treatment should be planned around the person’s specific difficulties⁠[5].

Therapy

    \n
  • Behavioral therapy: Therapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) aims to relearn emotional responses and behavior that have been conditioned as a response to fear, by providing skills to tolerate distress, reducing extreme emotional responses to fear, and teaching positive coping strategies⁠[4][9].
    • \n
  • Exposure therapy: With a therapist, someone who fears being looked at can plan manageable steps toward situations they avoid. The aim is to practice facing the fear safely and build the ability to participate in daily life⁠[5].
    • \n
  • Other therapies: Interpersonal therapy, family therapy, and other forms of therapeutic intervention may also be useful, in which the individual can receive support and validation, with the aim to reduce negative emotions associated with their phobia and help them to manage their feelings of anxiety⁠[9].
    • \n

Medications

\nAlthough there are no approved medications for the treatment of a specific phobia, a medication may be prescribed to help manage the symptoms of scopophobia, including⁠[4][8][9]:\n

    \n
  • Antidepressants: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as sertraline, citalopram, and fluoxetine, or serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) such as venlafaxine are commonly prescribed to treat phobias and symptoms of anxiety.
    • \n
  • Antihistamines: Hydroxyzine is the only antihistamine approved by the FDA to treat anxiety symptoms and may be effective at manage symptoms of scopophobia.
    • \n
  • Anxiolytics: Although not usually a first-choice medication, benzodiazepines such as diazepam can be effective as a short-term treatment of acute anxiety and phobias but should not be used long-term.
    • \n
  • Beta-blockers: Beta-blockers such as propranolol are commonly used to manage the physical symptoms of acute anxiety.
    • \n

\nIt is important to take your medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor, as taking too much, skipping doses, or suddenly stopping a medication can cause adverse effects and may worsen your mental and physical health.\n

Self-care for scopophobia

\nIf you have scopophobia, you may be able to manage some of your symptoms by utilizing some self-help techniques, including⁠[9][10]:\n

    \n
  • Talking to others: Speaking with friends and family or with a professional, in person, online, or over the phone, can help to lessen the impact of your anxieties and fears.
    • \n
  • Relaxation exercises: Calming activities, such as breathing exercises, meditation, or yoga, can help to reduce feelings of anxiety and may be useful in managing acute symptoms of a panic attack or severe emotional responses to triggering situations.
    • \n
  • Support groups: Attending a support group in person or online may help to improve understanding and acceptance of your phobia and sharing with others who have had similar experiences can help to reduce your feelings of distress.
    • \n
  • General wellbeing: Looking after your general wellbeing, by eating healthily, ensuring you get enough sleep, and engaging in regular exercise, can help to reduce feelings of anxiety.
    • \n

Frequently asked questions about scopophobia

How common is scopophobia?

\nThe prevalence of scopophobia is not known, due to a lack of research and reporting of the condition. However, it is believed that between 1-10% of the population experiences a debilitating phobia and females are significantly more likely to be diagnosed with a specific phobia than males⁠[11].\n

How does scopophobia impact daily life?

\nScopophobia can have detrimental effects on daily, social, and professional functioning.\n

If the individual is unable to be near other people for fear of being looked at, they may be unable to attend medical appointments or speak with friends and family, so cannot receive the support they require, which may worsen their mental wellbeing. They may also be unable to go to work and could lose their employment, thus creating financial struggles.

\nSomeone with scopophobia may even be unable to leave their home or enter any public place because of their fear, which may lead to them becoming entirely isolated and experiencing a decline in their mental wellbeing.\n

Scopophobia vs Social Anxiety Disorder – What is the difference?

\nSocial anxiety disorder and scopophobia share many similarities, as they both can cause severe anxiety when faced with a social situation and may lead to functional impairment or avoidance of certain situations.\n

However, scopophobia is a specific fear of being looked at, while social anxiety disorder applies more generally to being judged or scrutinized in any social situation⁠[2].

For example, a musical performance for someone with scopophobia may not cause anxiety if people cannot see them, such as an audio recording or performing in the dark, as their phobia is related only to being looked at, whereas a person with social anxiety disorder may be unable to perform regardless, as their anxiety is related to the scrutiny of their performance.

Someone with social anxiety disorder may also have scopophobia, causing their anxiety to increase while being looked at. However, research suggests that for some people with social anxiety disorder, being looked at has no impact on their anxiety levels, showing that there is a distinct difference, although this requires further research and understanding⁠[8].

Subject matter expert

\"\"

Brian Thompson Ph.D.

Evidence-based care for anxiety

View experience

References

    \n
  1. Curtis, G., Magee, W., Eaton, W., Wittchen, H., & Kessler, R. (1998). Specific Fears and Phobias: Epidemiology and Classification. The British Journal of Psychiatry, 173(3), 212-217. Retrieved from Specific Fears and Phobias
    2. \n
  2. American Psychiatric Association. (2013, text revision 2022). Anxiety Disorders – Specific Phobia. In The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed., text rev.). APA. Retrieved from Anxiety Disorders – Specific Phobia
    3. \n
  3. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2016). Table 16, DSM-IV to DSM-5 Social Phobia/Social Anxiety Disorder Comparison. In DSM-5 Changes: Implications for Child Serious Emotional Disturbance [Internet]. Retrieved from National Library of Medicine
    4. \n
  4. Samra, C.K., & Abdijadid, S. (2022). Specific Phobia. In StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island, FL: StatPearls Publishing. Retrieved from National Library of Medicine
    5. \n
  5. National Institute of Mental Health (2025). Phobias and Phobia-Related Disorders. National Institutes of Health. Accessed October 8, 2026.
    6. \n
  6. Villafuerte, S., & Burmeister, M. (2003). Untangling Genetic Networks of Panic, Phobia, Fear and Anxiety. Genome Biology, 4(8), 224. Retrieved from Untangling Genetic Networks of Panic, Phobia, Fear and Anxiety
    7. \n
  7. Garcia, R. (2017). Neurobiology of Fear and Specific Phobias. Learning & Memory (Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y.), 24(9), 462–471. Retrieved from Neurobiology of Fear and Specific Phobias
    8. \n
  8. Schulze, L., Renneberg, B., & Lobmaier, J.S. (2013). Gaze Perception in Social Anxiety and Social Anxiety Disorder. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 7, 872. Retrieved from Gaze Perception in Social Anxiety and Social Anxiety Disorder
    9. \n
  9. National Health Service. (Reviewed 2022). Treatment - Phobias. NHS. Retrieved from NHS
    10. \n
  10. Mind. (2021). Self-Care Tips for Phobias. Mind. Retrieved from Mind
    11. \n
  11. Wardenaar, K.J., Lim, C.C.W., Al-Hamzawi, A.O., Alonso, J., Andrade, L.H., Benjet, C., Bunting, B., de Girolamo, G., Demyttenaere, K., Florescu, S.E., Gureje, O., Hisateru, T., Hu, C., Huang, Y., Karam, E., Kiejna, A., Lepine, J.P., Navarro-Mateu, F., Oakley Browne, M., Piazza, M., …& de Jonge, P. (2017). The Cross-National Epidemiology of Specific Phobia in the World Mental Health Surveys. Psychological Medicine, 47(10), 1744–1760. Retrieved from The Cross-National Epidemiology of Specific Phobia in the World Mental Health Surveys
    12. \n

Medical Content

The Clinical Affairs Team at MentalHealth.com is a dedicated group of medical professionals with diverse and extensive clinical experience. They actively contribute to the development of content, products, and services, and meticulously review all medical material before publication to ensure accuracy and alignment with current research and conversations in mental health. For more information, please visit the Editorial Policy.

About MentalHealth.com

MentalHealth.com helps people understand themselves, build healthier relationships, and access the right care. We bring together mental health education, diagnostics, and care management to support well-being throughout every phase of life.

\"\"

Author

Naomi Carr

Writer

Naomi Carr is a writer with a background in English Literature from Oxford Brookes University.

Published
Updated
\"\"

Medical Reviewer

Morgan Blair

MA, LPCC

Morgan Blair is a licensed therapist, writer and medical reviewer, holding a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from Northwestern University.

Reviewed
\"\"

Related community

Phobias

A place to explore specific fears and the ways they can affect daily experiences.

Explore community
","text":"Home Library Phobias Scopophobia Scopophobia Written by Naomi Carr Medically reviewed by Morgan Blair Published on March 28, 2023 · Updated on September 4, 2025 Scopophobia is an intense fear of being watched or looked at and can occur following a traumatic event or due to unknown causes. Treatment for scopophobia includes therapeutic interventions and medications. Key takeaways Scopophobia is an intense fear of being watched or stared at that can restrict social and everyday activities. It may overlap with social anxiety, although fear of observation is not identical to fear of performance scrutiny. Psychological treatment, gradual exposure, and anxiety-management strategies can help reduce avoidance and impairment. What is scopophobia? Scopophobia is an extreme fear of being watched or stared at and can lead to significant impairments in daily, social, or professional functioning [1] . While many people experience anxiety at the thought of performing or speaking in front of others, scopophobia is an intense fear of being looked at by anyone at any time, whether this is friends and family, colleagues, or strangers, so can be very disabling, potentially leading to a complete avoidance of any interactions or even leaving the house. Although not specifically mentioned in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5 th Edition (DSM-5) , scopophobia is considered a specific phobia . Specific phobias are characterized by an irrational and disproportionate level of fear or anxiety when faced with a certain stimulus [2] . Scopophobia is also often linked with social anxiety disorder , formally known as social phobia [3] . This means many people with scopophobia also have social anxiety disorder. But it should be noted that although the two conditions share many similarities, they are two distinct conditions with different diagnostic criteria [2] [3] . Current research on scopophobia is limited, partially due to the fact that many people do not report or seek help for phobias [4] . Similarly, many people may interpret their symptoms as being due to other conditions such as social anxiety disorder. As such, further research is required to clarify the causes of and circumstances surrounding the development of specific phobias such as scopophobia. Symptoms of scopophobia Symptoms of scopophobia may vary from person to person but can include [2] [4] [5] : Thinking about or being looked at causes immense fear and anxiety. Being unable to make eye contact with other people. The presence of physical symptoms of anxiety or a panic attack, such as sweating, shaking, fast heartbeat, dry mouth, difficulty concentrating, and breathing difficulties when thinking of being looked at or thought about. Avoiding situations in which another person might make eye contact or look at you, such as using public transport, attending meetings or appointments, or even sitting with a friend. Impairments in one or more areas of life, including social and professional functioning. The presence of other specific phobias, such as a fear of spiders or injections. The presence of other mental health conditions, such as social anxiety disorder, mood disorders, or substance use disorders. Causes of scopophobia The exact cause of scopophobia is not known and may differ from person to person. However, there are several theories about certain risk factors that may increase the likelihood of a specific phobia developing. Genetics Research suggests that there is a strong familial link associated with the development of specific phobias. Those with a specific phobia have been found to be significantly more likely than healthy individuals to have a relative with an anxiety disorder, phobia, or both, indicating that a genetic predisposition is likely [6] . Brain functioning Research into the neurobiology of fear and specific phobias has found that some people have a difference in the activation and function of the fear response in the amygdala, suggesting that they may have an increased sensitivity to fear that could lead to the development of a phobia [7] . Past traumatic experience Traumatic experiences can contribute to phobias, but genetic and other environmental factors may also play a role. A clinician can help explore how a fear of being watched developed without assuming that one experience explains every case. [5] [8] Diagnosing scopophobia Specific phobias are often not diagnosed, as many people live with their fear and avoid the stimulus that causes it [4] . However, if you think you have scopophobia, it is important to seek a diagnosis in order to receive appropriate treatment to prevent further impact on your life. To diagnose scopophobia, you will be asked questions about your symptoms as they relate to diagnostic criteria. The diagnostic criteria for a specific phobia according to the DSM-5 includes [2] : Anticipating or facing a situation in which others may look at you causes intense feelings of anxiety, which may lead to prolonged or repeated avoidance of any social situations. The associated symptoms cause distress and impair social and/or professional functioning. The level of fear and anxiety is disproportionate to the potential danger or outcome. These symptoms have persisted for at least 6 months. These symptoms are not due to another condition, such as avoidant personality disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or social anxiety disorder. Treatment for scopophobia Cognitive behavioral therapy is an established treatment for phobias. Exposure therapy, a CBT method, helps a person approach feared situations and reduce avoidance. Treatment should be planned around the person’s specific difficulties. [5] Therapy Behavioral therapy: Therapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) aims to relearn emotional responses and behavior that have been conditioned as a response to fear, by providing skills to tolerate distress, reducing extreme emotional responses to fear, and teaching positive coping strategies [4] [9] . Exposure therapy: With a therapist, someone who fears being looked at can plan manageable steps toward situations they avoid. The aim is to practice facing the fear safely and build the ability to participate in daily life. [5] Other therapies: Interpersonal therapy, family therapy, and other forms of therapeutic intervention may also be useful, in which the individual can receive support and validation, with the aim to reduce negative emotions associated with their phobia and help them to manage their feelings of anxiety [9] . Medications Although there are no approved medications for the treatment of a specific phobia, a medication may be prescribed to help manage the symptoms of scopophobia, including [4] [8] [9] : Antidepressants: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as sertraline , citalopram , and fluoxetine , or serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) such as venlafaxine are commonly prescribed to treat phobias and symptoms of anxiety. Antihistamines: Hydroxyzine is the only antihistamine approved by the FDA to treat anxiety symptoms and may be effective at manage symptoms of scopophobia. Anxiolytics: Although not usually a first-choice medication, benzodiazepines such as diazepam can be effective as a short-term treatment of acute anxiety and phobias but should not be used long-term. Beta-blockers: Beta-blockers such as propranolol are commonly used to manage the physical symptoms of acute anxiety. It is important to take your medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor, as taking too much, skipping doses, or suddenly stopping a medication can cause adverse effects and may worsen your mental and physical health. Self-care for scopophobia If you have scopophobia, you may be able to manage some of your symptoms by utilizing some self-help techniques, including [9] [10] : Talking to others: Speaking with friends and family or with a professional, in person, online, or over the phone, can help to lessen the impact of your anxieties and fears. Relaxation exercises: Calming activities, such as breathing exercises, meditation, or yoga, can help to reduce feelings of anxiety and may be useful in managing acute symptoms of a panic attack or severe emotional responses to triggering situations. Support groups: Attending a support group in person or online may help to improve understanding and acceptance of your phobia and sharing with others who have had similar experiences can help to reduce your feelings of distress. General wellbeing: Looking after your general wellbeing, by eating healthily, ensuring you get enough sleep, and engaging in regular exercise, can help to reduce feelings of anxiety. Frequently asked questions about scopophobia How common is scopophobia? The prevalence of scopophobia is not known, due to a lack of research and reporting of the condition. However, it is believed that between 1-10% of the population experiences a debilitating phobia and females are significantly more likely to be diagnosed with a specific phobia than males [11] . How does scopophobia impact daily life? Scopophobia can have detrimental effects on daily, social, and professional functioning. If the individual is unable to be near other people for fear of being looked at, they may be unable to attend medical appointments or speak with friends and family, so cannot receive the support they require, which may worsen their mental wellbeing. They may also be unable to go to work and could lose their employment, thus creating financial struggles. Someone with scopophobia may even be unable to leave their home or enter any public place because of their fear, which may lead to them becoming entirely isolated and experiencing a decline in their mental wellbeing. Scopophobia vs Social Anxiety Disorder – What is the difference? Social anxiety disorder and scopophobia share many similarities, as they both can cause severe anxiety when faced with a social situation and may lead to functional impairment or avoidance of certain situations. However, scopophobia is a specific fear of being looked at, while social anxiety disorder applies more generally to being judged or scrutinized in any social situation [2] . For example, a musical performance for someone with scopophobia may not cause anxiety if people cannot see them, such as an audio recording or performing in the dark, as their phobia is related only to being looked at, whereas a person with social anxiety disorder may be unable to perform regardless, as their anxiety is related to the scrutiny of their performance. Someone with social anxiety disorder may also have scopophobia, causing their anxiety to increase while being looked at. However, research suggests that for some people with social anxiety disorder, being looked at has no impact on their anxiety levels, showing that there is a distinct difference, although this requires further research and understanding [8] . Subject matter expert Brian Thompson Ph.D. Evidence-based care for anxiety View experience References Curtis, G., Magee, W., Eaton, W., Wittchen, H., & Kessler, R. (1998). Specific Fears and Phobias: Epidemiology and Classification. The British Journal of Psychiatry, 173(3), 212-217. Retrieved from Specific Fears and Phobias American Psychiatric Association. (2013, text revision 2022). Anxiety Disorders – Specific Phobia. In The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed., text rev.). APA. Retrieved from Anxiety Disorders – Specific Phobia Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2016). Table 16, DSM-IV to DSM-5 Social Phobia/Social Anxiety Disorder Comparison. In DSM-5 Changes: Implications for Child Serious Emotional Disturbance [Internet]. Retrieved from National Library of Medicine Samra, C.K., & Abdijadid, S. (2022). Specific Phobia. In StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island, FL: StatPearls Publishing. Retrieved from National Library of Medicine National Institute of Mental Health (2025). Phobias and Phobia-Related Disorders . National Institutes of Health . Accessed October 8, 2026. Villafuerte, S., & Burmeister, M. (2003). Untangling Genetic Networks of Panic, Phobia, Fear and Anxiety. Genome Biology, 4(8), 224. Retrieved from Untangling Genetic Networks of Panic, Phobia, Fear and Anxiety Garcia, R. (2017). Neurobiology of Fear and Specific Phobias. Learning & Memory (Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y.), 24(9), 462–471. Retrieved from Neurobiology of Fear and Specific Phobias Schulze, L., Renneberg, B., & Lobmaier, J.S. (2013). Gaze Perception in Social Anxiety and Social Anxiety Disorder. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 7, 872. Retrieved from Gaze Perception in Social Anxiety and Social Anxiety Disorder National Health Service. (Reviewed 2022). Treatment - Phobias. NHS. Retrieved from NHS Mind. (2021). Self-Care Tips for Phobias. Mind. Retrieved from Mind Wardenaar, K.J., Lim, C.C.W., Al-Hamzawi, A.O., Alonso, J., Andrade, L.H., Benjet, C., Bunting, B., de Girolamo, G., Demyttenaere, K., Florescu, S.E., Gureje, O., Hisateru, T., Hu, C., Huang, Y., Karam, E., Kiejna, A., Lepine, J.P., Navarro-Mateu, F., Oakley Browne, M., Piazza, M., …& de Jonge, P. (2017). The Cross-National Epidemiology of Specific Phobia in the World Mental Health Surveys. Psychological Medicine, 47(10), 1744–1760. Retrieved from The Cross-National Epidemiology of Specific Phobia in the World Mental Health Surveys Medical Content The Clinical Affairs Team at MentalHealth.com is a dedicated group of medical professionals with diverse and extensive clinical experience. They actively contribute to the development of content, products, and services, and meticulously review all medical material before publication to ensure accuracy and alignment with current research and conversations in mental health. For more information, please visit the Editorial Policy . About MentalHealth.com MentalHealth.com helps people understand themselves, build healthier relationships, and access the right care. We bring together mental health education, diagnostics, and care management to support well-being throughout every phase of life. Author Naomi Carr Writer Naomi Carr is a writer with a background in English Literature from Oxford Brookes University. Published March 28, 2023 Updated September 4, 2025 Medical Reviewer Morgan Blair MA, LPCC Morgan Blair is a licensed therapist, writer and medical reviewer, holding a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from Northwestern University. Reviewed March 28, 2023 Related communities Phobias A place to explore specific fears and the ways they can affect daily experiences. Explore community Table of contents Choose a section What is scopophobia? 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The Cross-National Epidemiology of Specific Phobia in the World Mental Health Surveys. Psychological Medicine, 47(10), 1744–1760. 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