Thisphobiais often seen in a person who has been in a serious or near-fatal accident in the past.
Do I Have Dystychiphobia?
Like all phobias, dystychiphobia varies widely from person to person.
Adam Gault / Getty Images
Some people are afraid only of industrial accidents, others of transportation-related crashes.
Some feel only a mild case of nerves, while others are virtually paralyzed by their fear.
These can include feeling out of control and intenseanxiety.
Even though you may know your fear is not a real threat, the emotional response is very real.
Specifically with accident-related phobia, you may experience afear of dying.
Sometimes the emotional responses of people experiencing phobias may escalate into panic attacks.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
Diagnosis
The criteria used to diagnose specific phobias have expanded over time.
It’s possible someone coping with dystychiphobia has comorbid phobias, or multiple phobias existing together.
What Triggers Dystychiphobia?
Traumamay also play a role in developing dystychiphobia.
Genetics are thought to influence phobias, too.
Even how you’re raised may have an effect.
Certainly, most people could say they are afraid of accidents to an extent.
Medications prescribed for phobias are often similar to those prescribed forpanic attacksand/or panic disorder.
How Do I Deal With Dystychiphobia?
There are coping strategies for phobias that you’re able to begin to practice on your own.
Support groups can connect you with others who experience dystychiphobia and other phobias, too.
Limiting caffeine may also help reduce symptoms of anxiety you experience as a result of your dystychiphobia.
However, if your fear is more severe, you might significantly limit your daily life.
Professional assistance is always recommended if it’s difficult to function at home, school, or work.
Recovery is possible, and these can start you on the path to feeling better.
2020;3(1):22-33.
American Psychiatric Association, DSM-5 Task Force.Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders: DSM-5TM (5th ed.
).American Psychiatric Publishing, Inc.; 2013.
National Health Service.Symptoms - Phobias.
2020;5(2):178-205. doi:10.1007/s41347-020-00126-x
National Health Service.Self-Help - Phobias.
