It’s more than just being afraid to approach women in romantic contexts.
It’s a real and debilitating fear that can make it difficult or impossible for people to function normally.
While serious, it’s also a fear that is very treatable!
Verywell / JR Bee
What Causes Gynophobia?
Researchers aren’t sure of exactly what causes gynophobia.
Like other specific phobias, genetic and environmental factors are believed to play a role.
Gynophobia is likely heavily influenced by environment and experience.
Negative or traumatic experiences involving women often play the largest role in the onset of this phobia.
There are also a number of risk factors that might increase the likelihood that a person will develop gynophobia.
While gynophobia is anxiety-based and involves a fear response,misogynyis a harmful learned cultural attitude.
Although symptoms typically appear by the age of 10, they can continue into adulthood if left untreated.
How Is Gynophobia Diagnosed?
How Is Gynophobia Treated?
However, it’s important to note that specific phobias are very treatable.
Common treatments include therapy and medication.
How Exposure Therapy Works
Exposure therapy is gradual and begins with small steps.
Medication
Treatment approaches like exposure therapy and CBT are usually the recommended approach to treating gynophobia.
However, your doctor may prescribemedicationif your fear of women is causing significant anxiety.
After all, women make up half the population.
Research has shown that exposure-based treatments can be particularly effective in the treatment of specific phobias such as gynophobia.
There’s no way to prevent phobias.
The sooner you seek professional treatment, the better your chances of successfully overcoming the phobia.
Remember that recovering from gynophobia is a process that will take time.
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