Addition to my comment about genes vs. learning experiences in the creation of fears. I should have said more:

Maybe it doesn't make much difference if genes or experiences play a major role in arousing a fear response because the treatment of a fear usually consists of learning to be calm in the previously fearful situation. Exposure and learning new ways of coping are possibilities. Don't forget there are ways to overcome fears without experiencing the usual experience of exposure. Read about desensitization in my Chapter 12.

drclay