If we travel on vacation to some jungle place, we will encounter several types of animals that we will hardly find in the big cities of the world, some of them larger than others. When being in contact with any of these wild species, we may experience some uncertainty, since, in general, we are not used to interacting with this type of animals. For this reason, it is totally understandable that a certain fear may appear in the presence of some living being whose characteristics we do not know, such as a toad or a snake.
However, there are people with an intense and prolonged fear of some species of living beings in particular, a fact that can cause serious consequences in their daily lives. In this Psychology-Online article we will talk to you about herpetophobia (fear of reptiles and amphibians): what it is, causes, symptoms and treatment.
What is herpetophobia
Herpetophobia is considered an anxiety disorder characterized by a irrational and exacerbated fear of reptiles and amphibians. However, it is a clinical condition that has specific criteria that differentiate it from other types of anxiety disorders. Likewise, herpetophobia can be placed within the group of specific phobias created by the DSM-V.
In order to reach a correct diagnosis of herpetophobia, it is necessary that a series of specific criteria be met:
- intense in the presence of a specific object or situation (in this case, it would be animals such as reptiles and amphibians).
- The specific object and/or situation usually generates immediate fear and/or anxiety.
- The fear or anxiety is disproportionate to the actual danger posed by the specific object and/or situation.
- The duration of the condition is six months or longer.
- Deterioration of work, social and family relationships due to fear and/or anxiety.
- The alterations cannot be explained by the presence of another mental disorder or by the intake of medications or toxic substances.
Causes of herpetophobia
In order to develop strategies to reduce the problems of fear of reptiles and amphibians, it is important to know the possible origins that give rise to the symptoms. Next, we show you which are the most important causes:
Environmental factors
The unpleasant experiences with reptiles and amphibians may have significantly influenced a patient’s clinical presentation. In this sense, it is possible to develop herpetophobia if the person associates these animals with an extreme danger of death or destruction. Likewise, if a person has lived with someone who has this type of phobia, there is a high probability of imitating the same behaviors in life.
Organic factors
The Genetic heritage It plays a transcendental role in a person’s emotions. There are certain neural connections that are associated with the processing of external stimuli and that produce intense emotions. For this reason, if one of the parents has been diagnosed with herpetophobia, it is possible that their son or daughter presents the same condition.
In this class of anxiety disorders, the activation of cellular receptors occurs that gives rise to intense fear responses as a way of defending oneself from objects considered dangerous.
Symptoms of herpetophobia
How do I know if I have herpetophobia? In order to detect herpetophobia in time, it is important to know the manifestations that occur on a physical, emotional and behavioral level. Below you will find the main symptoms of herpetophobia:
- Avoidance of places where there may be the presence of amphibians and/or reptiles.
- Inability to talk about reptiles and/or amphibians.
- Catastrophic thoughts in relation to these animals.
- .
- Sweating.
- Palpitations.
- Shortness of breath.
- Nausea.
- Vomiting.
- Dizziness
It should be noted that the presence of any of these symptoms in isolation does not necessarily represent a condition of herpetophobia. It is essential that the diagnosis be performed by a mental health professional that evaluates the specific characteristics of each patient, such as age, pre-existing diseases or family history, among others.
Herpetophobia Treatment
Although herpetophobia can have serious consequences for those who suffer from it, today there are approaches with considerable effectiveness and efficiency to treat it and improve the patient’s quality of life. Below, we explain the most effective options to treat herpetophobia:
Psychological therapy
Psychotherapeutic sessions are a space in which to reflect on personal aspects that interfere with the development of daily activities. On the one hand, short-term therapies work on the emotions, thoughts and behaviors that cause the symptoms of the person who suffers from this disorder, with the aim of offering tools to cope with the fear of septums or other reptiles or amphibians.
On the other hand, long-term therapies try to find the origin of the symptoms by remembering childhood situations that may have started the phobia. Although both approaches differ in their duration, both have favorable results for patients.
Psychiatric medication
In cases of considerable severity, the supply of will reduce the intensity of the symptoms of herpetophobia. However, it is necessary that treatment through the provision of psychiatric medication always be carried out under the supervision of a mental health professional.
This article is merely informative, at Psychology-Online we do not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.
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References
- American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Arlington: Panamericana Medical Publishing.
Bibliography
- Delgado Reyes, AC, Sánchez López, JV (2019). Fears, phobias and their treatments. Electronic Journal of Psychology Iztacala, 22 (2), 798-833.