Everyone has normal fears and dislikes. Someone may dislike public bathrooms, but they will use them in a pinch if they have to. Phobias are irrational fears that impede daily life. Someone suffering from a phobia of public bathrooms may choose to stay home all the time rather than risk having to use one. Phobias can be caused by a traumatic event or develop from childhood fears. Common phobias include agoraphobia, fear of public spaces; arachnophobia, fear of spiders; claustrophobia, fear of enclosed spaces; and many others. Learn more about the symptoms and treatments of phobias including some more uncommon phobias you may not have heard of.