How does acrophobia affect the body?

Acrophobia, or the irrational fear of heights, can be distressing on the body. While phobias are a mental affliction, they cause very real physical symptoms to sufferers. In general, no matter what the fear is, it manifests the same. Acrophobia can be particularly troubling. Sufferers might have to avoid everyday experiences, like elevators or even climbing a ladder.

When faced with height, or sometimes even just the thought of it, the body will exhibit anxiety symptoms. The most common is vertigo, a dizzy off-balanced feeling. Other symptoms include nausea, shaking, sweating, and heart palpitations. A full-blown panic attack is also possible. During a panic attack, there is an overwhelming sense of dread and it can be hard to breathe. Sometimes, panic attacks cause chest pains. Often, people mistake a panic attack for a serious medical event, like a heart attack. Typically, symptoms will dissipate once the person returns to ground level. With therapy and medication, this phobia can be controlled.