It may also be referred to as eisoptrophobia or catoptrophobia.
Experiencing symptoms of spectrophobia can be incredibly debilitating and can impact one’s overall quality of life.
When to Seek Help
Experiencing spectrophobia can be incredibly scary.
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How Is Spectrophobia Diagnosed?
The DSM-5 details the specific diagnostic criteria that must be met in order for you to receive a diagnosis.
Your treating clinician may ask you to describe your symptoms, their intensity, and their frequency.
Trauma-Induced Spectrophobia
An individual who has experienced a traumatic event involving a mirror may develop spectrophobia.
Types of Spectrophobia
Spectrophobia may be used to describe several different types of mirror-related phobias.
Keep in mind that these subtypes are not official diagnoses.
You may also concurrently experience symptoms of spectrophobia, along with afeeding and eating disorder, and/orbody dysmorphic disorder.
Fear of Reflections
A fear of mirrors may be related to a more generalized fear of reflections.
Reflections inherently distort the reflected items, causing them to appear slightly unreal, which some may find disturbing.
Spiritual Fears
Mirrors have long been linked toreligious rituals, customs, and superstitions.
Some believe that a mirror reflects a person’s soul.
How Is Spectrophobia Treated?
Treatment for spectrophobiawill depend on your unique needs, although it typically involves some sort of psychotherapy.
While seeking treatment for spectrophobia may feel overwhelming or scary, it’s important to prioritize your well-being.
Exposure therapy is the most commonly used method for treating specific phobias.
Psychotherapy may be used in conjunction with medication or on its own.
Therapeutic techniques will vary depending on your unique needs as well as your therapist’s treatment style.
If you are supporting a loved one with spectrophobia, be sure to take care of yourself as well.
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American Psychological Association.Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.
Arlington, VA: American Psychological Association; 2013.
Eaton WW, Bienvenu OJ, Miloyan B.Specific phobias.Lancet Psychiatry.
