A Phobia presents itself in a number of categories and is a source of fear and anxiety for a person.

A phobia is an anxiety disorder involving fear of a situation or object. Image: Phobia Stock Photos

Phobia of the Day: Iatrophobia

A phobia is an anxiety disorder involving fear of a situation or object. Exposure to the source of the fear triggers an irrational response.

A Phobia presents itself in a number of categories and is a source of fear and anxiety for a person.

A phobia is an anxiety disorder involving fear of a situation or object. Image: Phobia Stock Photos

A phobia is an anxiety disorder involving excessive and persistent fear of a situation or object. Exposure to the source of the fear triggers an immediate anxiety response.

Most specific phobias fall into one of four major categories:

  • Fears of the natural environment
  • Fears related to animals
  • Fear related to medical treatments or issues
  • Fears related to specific situations

Phobia of the Day: Iatrophobia is an extreme fear of doctors or medical tests.

Someone with a fear of doctors is usually aware that the phobia is illogical. Regardless of this knowledge, they’re unable to control their physical reactions when they see their doctor. They often have symptoms even when they think about going to their doctor or getting a medical test. You may experience these symptoms:

  • Dizziness.
  • Dry mouth.
  • Extreme feeling of dread or terror.
  • Nausea.
  • Profuse sweating (hyperhidrosis).
  • Rapid breathing and heart rate or heart palpitations (racing heart that may skip beats).
  • Shaking or trembling.

SELF-CARE TIPS FOR PHOBIAS THAT BRING ON ANXIETY

  • Talk to someone you trust. 
  • Learn to manage panic and anxiety. 
  • Look into joining a support group. 
  • Use self-help resources. 
  • Take a course for your specific phobia.

RECENT PHOBIA WORD POSTS:

Cyberphobia

Koinoniphobia

Ephebiphobia

Claustrophobia

Cibophobia

Cynophobia

Cacophobia

Do you have a phobia you suffer from that you’d like to share?

If so, send an email to info@thesouthafrican.com or a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211 and we’ll publish the ones that we feel are most interesting!

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