For others, it can be a source of anxiety, dread, or even downright panic.
This intense fear of marriage and commitment is known asgamophobia.
Such symptoms are persistent and last for six months or longer.
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In other cases, some people are so afraid of commitment that they will avoid relationships altogether.
Either way, it can be a recipe for loneliness and isolation.
Recap
Gamophobia can lead to both physical, emotional, and behavioral symptoms.
How Is Gamophobia Diagnosed?
Gamophobia isnotlisted as a distinct, separate condition in the DSM-5-TR.
What Causes Gamophobia?
No one know exactly why some people develop gamophobia.
Like other types of phobias, several different factors typically play a role.
Attachment stylesare the patterns of behavior and emotional bonds that form between people.
Early attachments between children and their caregivers are thought to have a lasting impact on later attachments.
Studies suggest that phobias among adults are approximately 30% to 40% heritable.
However, research also suggests that the interaction of genetic and environmental variables often plays the largest role.
A variety of factors can play a part in the development of gamophobia.
Some of the most commonly used treatments for gamophobia are listed below.
Over time, the fear response lessens until it is gradually extinguished.
EMDR may be effective in cases where symptoms of gamophobia are connected to past traumatic experiences.
Medications may also be useful if other mental conditions such as co-occurring anxiety or depression are also present.
In most cases, these medications will be used alongside some form of psychotherapy.
Gamophobia can disrupt your ability to have healthy, lasting relationships, but treatment can help.
Takeaways
Gamophobia is a fear of being in a committed relationship.
It can be due to a mixture of genetic influences, family background, and past experiences.
Effective treatments that can help include cognitive behavioral therapy, exposure therapy, and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing.
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