The medical term for the fear of spiders is "arachnophobia." This specific phobia affects many people around the world and can trigger intense feelings of anxiety, fear, and panic when encountering spiders or even thinking about them. Those with arachnophobia may go to great lengths to avoid places where spiders might be found, impacting their daily lives. Treatment options include therapy approaches such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and exposure therapy, which gradually desensitize individuals to their fear. Education about spiders and their behavior may also help alleviate some fears in affected individuals.