The release of The Book of Phobias and Manias by Kate Summerscale has revealed the top 10 phobias people face in the world.

Phobias are the extreme or irrational fear of a particular object, place, feeling or animal.

Common phobias such as the irrational fear of clowns and insects (creepy crawlies) make the top 10, whereas lesser known phobias such as the irrational fear of kayaks, frogs, the number four, clusters of holes, beards, trains, telephone calls and sleep round out the top 10.

Psychologist, Dr Marny Lishman spoke to Millsy at Midday host Steve Mills on the reasoning behind the strange phobias people have.

“I think the more you talk about phobias, the more you realise that you probably have had one at some point or do have one right now,” Dr Lishman said.

Press PLAY to hear more on what makes people develop phobias 

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