What is a characteristic of specific phobias that differentiates them from general anxieties?

The characteristic that differentiates specific phobias from general anxieties is the presence of a specific trigger or object that elicits fear. Individuals with specific phobias exhibit intense fear or anxiety in response to a particular stimulus, such as heights, spiders, or flying. This fear is typically disproportionate to the actual danger posed by the object or situation. Unlike general anxiety, which can be more diffuse and not linked to a specific source, specific phobias are clearly identified and can lead to avoidance behavior whenever the individual encounters the object or situation that triggers their fear.

The other options describe characteristics that do not align with the nature of specific phobias. Hyperactivity over an extended period is more closely related to attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder rather than phobic responses. Randomized symptoms without triggers would more likely represent generalized anxiety disorder, where anxiety appears without a specific provocation. The presence of compulsions is associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder, which is a distinct entity from phobias. Thus, having a specific trigger is crucial for diagnosing and understanding specific phobias.