Whats the difference between a fear and a phobia?

Fear is felt to be a normal protective mechanism. Fear is what causes us to walk slowly to keep from stumbling when it is too dark to see. A phobia is an abnormal fear that keeps the sufferer from normal activities. Someone with a phobia of heights would not be able to use a ladder at all. A non-phobic fear of fear of heights makes people be very careful when climbing on ladders.

Fears: Fears are rational and may be based on exposure to real events, while phobias are irrational. Both can be helped with cognitive behavioral methods.