Is my fear of spiders still normal? Take the test at the private practice of online psychologist Patric Pförtner.
Psychologist Patric Pförtner

Patric Pförtner

M.Sc. Psychologist, Doctoral Researcher

Test: Fear of Spiders and Arachnophobia

Do you ask yourself: "Is my reaction to spiders exaggerated?", "Does my fear of spiders affect my daily life?" or "How can I better cope with my fear of spiders?" These questions matter, because excessive fear of spiders can significantly restrict everyday life.

Do you recognise yourself in these situations?

  • You constantly check rooms for possible spiders?
  • You avoid certain places out of fear of spiders?
  • You panic when you see a spider?
  • You ask others to remove spiders for you?

This test helps you assess whether your fear of spiders has reached a level requiring treatment and which factors may play a role.

Originally written in German — read the original here: Spinnenangst-Test.

Fear of Spiders Test: 15 Questions

All questions refer to the last 14 days. The answer options are scaled like a grading system — the first option counts as one point, the last as five. Choose one answer per question and click Evaluate Now at the end.

1. Are you afraid of seeing a spider, even when it is far away?

2. Do you avoid places where spiders could be (e.g. cellar, garden, woods)?

3. Do you experience physical reactions such as a racing heart or trembling when you see a spider?

4. Have you ever felt panic when you were near a spider?

5. Do you try to immediately remove spiders from your surroundings, or ask someone else to?

6. Do you avoid images or films featuring spiders?

7. Do you have nightmares or negative thoughts revolving around spiders?

8. Do you regularly check your surroundings to make sure there are no spiders?

9. Do you react with excessive startle when you see a spider unexpectedly?

10. Are you afraid that a spider could touch you or crawl on you?

11. Do you leave rooms or places when you spot a spider?

12. Do you experience ongoing tension when you know spiders could be nearby?

13. Has your fear of spiders caused you to avoid social activities or work tasks?

14. Do you find your fear of spiders unreasonable but still cannot control it?

15. Does the mere thought of spiders trigger fear or discomfort in you?

This online screening is not a diagnostic tool. Only a trained medical professional — such as a doctor, psychiatrist or psychotherapist — can advise you on the next steps.

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"Most arguments aren't the argument you think you're having."
"Trust doesn't grow through words. It grows through repetition."
"A strong relationship isn't one without conflict — it's one where you find your way back."
Psychologist Patric Pförtner is a registered full member of the BDP

Quality seal for psychological counselling awarded by the Professional Association of German Psychologists (BDP).

 Registered full member of the BDP

Registered full member of the Professional Association of German Psychologists (BDP).

 Online psychological counselling quality seal

For my work, the BDP has awarded me the "Counselling by Psychologists" quality mark.