Risk Factors for Trypophobia
Verywell / Andrea Hickey
What is trypophobia?
Trypophobia is an irrational, disruptive aversion or fear of clusters of small holes, bumps, or patterns.
The symptoms of this condition are similar to those of other specific phobias.
Verywell / Andrea Hickey
How Common Is Trypophobia?
Some research indicates that trypophobia may be quite common.
Avoidance of trigger objects is common.
This theory suggests that this phobia has an evolutionary basis.
People may fear these patterns out of unconscious associations.
There is some research that supports this idea.
Study participants reported feelings of skin-itching and skin-crawling when viewing such patterns.
Disgust or fear of potential threats is an adaptive evolutionary response.
In many cases, these feelings help keep us safe from danger.
Symptoms of trypophobia typically meet DSM-5 diagnostic criteria forspecific phobiasrather than other conditions such asobsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
CBT might also involve gradual exposure to feared things or situations to decrease one’s reactions to them.
This leads to negative automatic thoughts as soon as they encounter the source of their fear.
This process is usually done very gradually.
They will continue working on this activity until symptoms start to recede.
Withexposure therapy, patients may potentially encounter an object without feeling excessive disgust, fear, or anxiety.
Relaxation Techniques
Differentrelaxation strategiescan also be useful for reducing feelings of disgust, fear, or anxiety.
Visualization, deep breathing, and progressive muscle relaxation are a few strategies that might be helpful.
Visualization involves picturing soothing images or situations.
A simple distraction can also be a useful coping technique.
Medications
Anti-depressant oranti-anxiety drugsmay sometimes be prescribed, particularly if the individual also experiences depression or anxiety.
It isnot currently recognizedby the American Psychiatric Association’sDiagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders(DSM-5).
Further research is needed to determine its nature, prevalence, and treatment.
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