Someone with a phobia develops maladaptive coping mechanisms to make it avoid the object of their fear.
This article covers what automatonophobia is, and what its causes, symptoms, and complications are.
Symptoms of Automatonophobia
This fear can manifest in many ways.
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Some people are afraid only of wax figures, others of dolls.
You may be unable to enter a display that houses automatons.
if you stumble on one unexpectedly, you may run away, freeze in place, or even hide.
Specific phobias often occur alongside other anxiety disorders or mood disorders.
In general, it’s common for people to feel uncomfortable in the presence of human replicas.
How a fear develops into a phobia isn’t always clear.
Role in Popular Culture
Automatonophobia has been exploited in numerous books, television shows, and films.
Perhaps the best-known example is the original Vincent Price version ofHouse of Wax.
Treatment for Automatonophobia
Automatonophobia is treatable.
Therapy
Cognitive-behavioral therapy(CBT) is a common form oftherapyused for conditions like anxiety anddepression.
Then, the therapist communicates and repeats these suggestions to you while you are in a meditative state.
When seeking out therapy for automatonophobia or any phobia, be sure to choose a therapist you trust.
It’s OK to meet with a few different therapists until you find someone you feel comfortable with.
Medication
Sometimes, a doctor will recommend a medication for you to take while you attend therapy.
Common medications prescribed to those with specific phobias includeantidepressantslikeselective serotonin reuptake inhibitors(SSRIs).
Examples of SSRIs includeProzac(fluoxetine) orZoloft(sertraline).
Or, a doctor may recommend aselective serotonin-norepinephrine inhibitor(SNRI) such asEffexor(venlafaxine).
It’s important to note, however, thatbenzodiazepinessuch as Xanax have a high potential for misuse andaddiction.
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