| Arachnophobia can be triggered by the mere | | | | reasons for arachnophobia. In the Dark Ages |
| thought of a spider or even by a picture of | | | | spiders were commonly considered to be a |
| one, in some cases. Many people who fear | | | | source of contamination of food and water. |
| spiders feel panic entering a situation where | | | | They were believed to be the cause of the |
| spiders may be present. Symptoms include | | | | Bubonic Plague (though in reality rat-fleas |
| excessive sweating, rapid breathing, a | | | | were in fact the true culprits). This |
| quickened heartbeat, nausea and | | | | misplaced fear has been passed down since the |
| dizziness.Some arachnophbics will, on | | | | 10th Century.Often the fear is caused by a |
| entering a room, search it for a spider. If | | | | frightening incident in earlier life. |
| they find one they will monitor its progress | | | | Sometimes people have the misconception that |
| very thoroughly. Others will do all in their | | | | such a startling event has to be a memorable |
| power to distract themselves to avoid seeing | | | | ordeal. |
| the spider.There are historical and cultural | | | | |