Which condition is characterized as excessive fear of spiders?

The condition characterized as excessive fear of spiders is arachnophobia. This term is derived from "arachnid," the class of joint-legged invertebrates that includes spiders, and "phobia," which means an irrational fear. Individuals suffering from arachnophobia often experience anxiety and panic attacks at the thought of encountering a spider or even seeing images of them.

This specific phobia can lead to significant distress and avoidance behaviors, impacting a person's daily life. On the other hand, the other responses refer to different conditions: "amygdala syndrome" doesn't specifically relate to any phobia, "fear of insects" encompasses a broader category rather than just spiders, and "claustrophobia" pertains to a fear of enclosed spaces. Understanding these distinctions can help clarify why arachnophobia is the accurate term for an excessive fear of spiders.