The term for a fear of spiders is "arachnophobia." This specific phobia is one of the most common fears people experience, affecting a significant portion of the population. Individuals with arachnophobia may exhibit extreme anxiety or panic when encountering spiders or even when thinking about them. Symptoms can include sweating, increased heart rate, and feelings of dread. Often, the fear is disproportionate to the actual danger posed by most spiders, as many species are harmless to humans. Treatment options for arachnophobia include cognitive-behavioral therapy, exposure therapy, and relaxation techniques to help manage and reduce symptoms.