Phobia is defined as an irrational, intense, persistent fear of certain situations, activities, things, or people. Hundreds of thousands of people are plagued with phobias, from the milder ones such as achuluobphobia (fear of the dark) to the more disturbing conditions such as agoraphobia (fear of open spaces or leaving home). Over 100 phobic conditions are known, each with its own special set of symptoms and origins. Psychologist Greg Korgeski gives readers a thorough discussion of these phobias in his latest book, The Complete Idiot's Guide® to Phobias . Beginning with the most current theories about how phobias arise, Dr. Korgeski has organized the book by theme or category of phobia, explaining the distinctive nature of each, and then shares some of the most effective ways to cope with phobias. Interesting, jargon-free, and full of insight into this peculiar yet widespread condition, The Complete Idiot's Guide® to Phobias includes- A complete listing of the most common phobias, each with a full history and description. Additional discussion of the more exotic phobias. Advice on coping with phobias that can disrupt everyday life. Gregory P. Korgeski, Ph. D. , is a clinical and consulting psychologist. He has been on the clinical faculty of the Minnesota School of Professional Psychology and has worked as a consultant, organizational psychologist, and therapist for nearly 30 years. He conducts workshops on a wide range of topics in psychology and has been a contributor to Contemporary Psychology and a writer and co-editor for the Newsletter of the Society for Psychoanalytic Studies.